Basic Sunflower Planting in 8 Steps

Written by Doityourself Staff
on Aug 11, 2009

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Reviewed by
H.R. Helm
on Oct 17, 2022

Sunflower planting is an easy way to make your garden look nice and provide you with valuable nutrients. Grow these striking flowers not only for their beauty, but also for cooking oil and the protein-filled seeds.

Sunflowers can grow up to 20 feet tall and are very hearty plants. They can normally handle a mild frost, but should be covered if temperatures start to dip into the freezing zone.

Step 1 - Plant at Right Time

Plant sunflowers in the spring so they will be able to bloom around the summer. They thrive in warmer weather so it is best to plant them after the final frost.

Step 2 - Use the Right Soil

Since sunflowers need to have a lot of space in the ground for their roots to grow, plant them in a richer soil. Sandy soils are too loose and they can be uprooted.

Step 3 - Plant in the Sun

As their name suggests, sunflowers love the sun and will actually point their flower "faces" toward it. Pick a spot where your flowers will be able to get full sunlight throughout the day.

Step 4 - Space Appropriately

Depending on the type and the size of your sunflower, you will need to space the seeds a certain distance. Seeds for average-sized flower should be spaced at least 2 feet apart and in rows of 3 feet away from each other. For large sunflowers, space seeds at least 3 feet apart in rows 3 to 4 feet wide.

Step 5 - Use a Fence or Post

Since sunflowers can grow so large, they should have something to support them. Either plant your sunflowers near a fence or a wall, or plant posts or build a trellis that they can grow along as they get bigger.

Step 6 - Stake the Flowers

Once the sunflowers start to grow, you will need to stalk them. Tie the heads loosely to a post to help support the plant so it won't fall over.

Step 7 - Keep Them Watered

Sunflowers like water, so keep the soil moist. Keep in mind that the plants soak the water quickly in the heat of the sun. Be careful not to overdo it and drown your plants.

Step 8 - Cut Dead Leaves

Immediately remove dead leaves on your plants and weeds along your garden.