When to plant Sunflowers in Nottingham

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 Nottingham · last frost ≈ 20 Apr

Sow outdoors April to May, plant out May, harvest July to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    27 Apr to 18 May

    Sow seeds around 27th April - 18th May in small pots or modules, or direct where they are to flower in mild areas. Sow seeds to a depth of and keep the compost just moist while they germinate.

  2. 02

    Harden Off Seedlings

    27 Apr to 11 May

    From 27th April to 11th May, move seedlings outside for longer spells each day so they adjust to wind and sun. Keep them sheltered from hard frost and check the compost so the roots do not dry out.

  3. 03

    Plant Out

    4 May to 18 May

    Plant out from 4th 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

    18 May to 13 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 18th May to 13th 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

    20 Jul to 7 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 20th July to 7th 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.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Sunflower.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

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.