When to plant Sunflowers in Manchester

Helianthus annuus

Sunflower
Sunflower · Helianthus annuus

Fast-growing half-hardy annual grown for bold summer flowers and edible seeds. Sow under cover or direct outside once the risk of frost has passed, then give plants a sunny, sheltered spot and steady watering while they establish.

180 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Manchester · last frost ≈ 17 Apr

Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest July to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    13 Mar to 27 Mar

    Sow seeds around 13th March - 27th March in individual small pots or deep modules. Cover with of compost, keep them in bright light, and keep the compost just moist while they germinate.

  2. 02

    Harden Off Seedlings

    17 Apr to 1 May

    From 17th April to 1st May, move seedlings outside for longer spells each day so they adjust to wind and sun. Keep them sheltered from cold nights and check the compost so the roots do not dry out.

  3. 03

    Plant Out

    1 May to 15 May

    Plant out from 1st May once the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed. Space plants apart, water them in thoroughly, and use fleece or a cloche if cold nights are still forecast.

  4. 04

    Support Young Plants

    15 May to 10 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 15th May to 10th July, fit a cane or stake beside tall plants before they become top-heavy. Tie stems loosely with soft twine and keep the base weed-free so the roots can spread.

  5. 05

    Deadhead & Maintenance

    17 Jul to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 17th July to 8th November, deadhead branching varieties so they keep flowering. For single-stemmed sunflowers, cut the flower for indoor display or leave the head to ripen for seed. Water during dry spells.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Sunflower to consider

Russian Giant

Tall, classic single yellow flowers with large heads for cutting and seed.

Mongolian Giant

A very tall variety with broad leaves and large flower heads, good for a bold display.

Teddy Bear

A dwarf, double-flowered type with soft, shaggy blooms for pots and smaller gardens.

Autumn Beauty

A mixed-colour variety with branching stems and several medium-sized flowers on each plant.

Sunflower guides by town

See how Sunflower timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.