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Sunflower

Cut Flower Care Guide

Sunflowers are fast-growing, high-impact cut flowers that go from seed to harvest in just 60–75 days. For cut flower production, focus on pollenless varieties that won't stain clothes or tablecloths. Branching types produce multiple smaller stems; single-stem types produce one large head per plant. Succession planting is essential.

🌱 Planting Guide

When to Plant Direct sow after last frost when soil reaches 55°F+. Succession sow every 7–10 days for continuous harvest.
Planting Depth 1 inch deep
Spacing 6–9 inches for single-stem types; 12–18 inches for branching types; 30–36 inches between rows
Soil Average, well-drained soil. Sunflowers aren't fussy but appreciate decent soil.
Sunlight Full sun — 6–8 hours minimum. They'll lean toward the light if shaded.

💡 Tips

  • Pollenless varieties are essential for cut flower work — no staining
  • ProCut series (single-stem) are the industry standard for production
  • Succession sow every 7–10 days for continuous harvest — this is non-negotiable
  • Single-stem varieties: one flower per plant, so plant a LOT
  • Direct sow only — sunflowers don't transplant well due to taproot

📅 Month-by-Month Care Calendar

Jan

Order seeds — pollenless cut flower varieties sell out. Plan succession schedule.

Feb

Finalize seed orders. Calculate quantities needed per week of production.

Mar

Prepare beds. Plan succession sowing chart (sow date → harvest date).

Apr

First direct sowing after last frost. Begin succession schedule.

May

Continue succession sowing every 7–10 days. Thin seedlings. Water consistently.

Jun

Earliest plantings reaching harvest. Continue succession sowing. Thin and water.

Jul

Peak harvest season begins. Multiple successions producing. Continue sowing through mid-July.

Aug

Heavy harvest period. Final successions still sowing. Hot weather = fast growth.

Sep

Continue harvesting. Last successions maturing. Growth slows as days shorten.

Oct

Final harvests before frost. Pull spent plants. Clean up beds.

Nov

Clear all sunflower debris. Compost or remove. Plan next year.

Dec

Review season notes. Finalize next year's variety selection and succession plan.