When to plant Sunflowers in the UK

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
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May, harvest August to October.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    late March to mid-April UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Sow seeds around late March to mid-April 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

    early May to mid-May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    From early May to mid-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

    mid-May to late May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Plant out from mid-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

    late May to late July UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From late May to late 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

    early August to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From early August to late October, 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.