How to grow sunflowers

Frost-hardy · Daisy family

When to sow and plant

Sow outdoors 19 April – 3 May

Based on: average for Germany, last frost 19 April, safe from 6 May

Where the dates come from

The weeks come from our sources; the dates use the average frost in Germany. Enter a German postcode to get dates for your area.

Sow outdoors: 0–2 weeks after the last frost (Oregon State University Extension: Sunflowers)

Good and bad neighbours

Good neighbours · 1

Pole beanExpert rule· C
Sunflowers act as a support for climbing beans.
C: Expert rule with a reason
Pole bean

Crop rotation

After the daisy family, leave the bed free of it for at least 3 years.

The same species should go back to the same spot after a break of 3 years at the earliest.
Example: grown here in 2026, again from 2030.

At a glance

Family: Daisy family (Asteraceae)
Frost: Hardy, tolerates frost
Spacing (row × plant): 61 × 30 cm (24 × 12 in)
Plants per m²: 5.5
Life cycle: Annual

Spacing according to UGA Extension C 1121: Growing Sunflowers in the Home Garden. Other sources: – × 15 cm (– × 6 in) (Oregon State University Extension: Sunflowers).

Questions and answers

When can I sow sunflowers?

Sow outdoors, average for Germany: 19 April – 3 May. Enter a German postcode above for your area, or your own frost date in the planting calendar.

How far apart should I plant sunflowers?

61 × 30 cm (24 × 12 in) (row × plant), according to UGA Extension C 1121: Growing Sunflowers in the Home Garden.

What grows well next to sunflowers?

Pole bean: Good neighbour (C).

How long a break do sunflowers need in the same bed?

After the daisy family, leave the bed free of it for at least 3 years. The same species should go back to the same spot after a break of 3 years at the earliest.

Sources

Show 8 sources

Retrieved on 23 October 2026. Facts in our own words, one source per value.