Is it Too Late to Plant Sunflowers?

The Best Time to Plant Sunflowers

When it comes to planting sunflowers, timing is key. These bright, cheery flowers thrive in hot weather and require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. In most regions, the best time to plant sunflower seeds is in late spring or early summer, after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

Planting Sunflowers Late in the Season

But what if you missed the window for spring planting? Is it too late to plant sunflowers if it's already summer or even early fall? The answer depends on a few factors, such as your climate, the specific variety of sunflower, and your expectations for the size and number of blooms.

Choosing the Right Sunflower Variety

If you're planting sunflowers late in the season, you'll want to choose a variety that is fast-growing and can develop blooms in a shorter amount of time. Dwarf or hybrid varieties may be a good option, as they tend to have shorter growing periods and can produce blooms in as little as 55 days.

How to Plant Sunflowers Late in the Season

When planting sunflowers later in the season, it's important to prepare the soil well and keep it moist. The soil should be loosened with a garden fork to a depth of at least 12 inches, and then mixed with some compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and provide nutrients for the plants. It's also a good idea to add some balanced fertilizer to the soil before planting the sunflower seeds.

Caring for Late-Planted Sunflowers

Once the sunflower seeds are planted, it's important to keep the soil moist and to protect the young plants from extremes of heat or cold. Mulching around the base of the plants can help to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. If the weather turns very hot or dry, you may need to water the sunflowers regularly to prevent them from wilting.

The Bottom Line

While it's best to plant sunflowers in late spring or early summer, it's not necessarily too late to plant them if it's already summer or early fall. By choosing the right variety, preparing the soil well, and giving the plants proper care, you can still enjoy beautiful sunflowers even if you missed the optimal planting window.