As a gardener in Tennessee, I adore growing sunflowers to add bold beauty and happy color to my landscape. Their bright yellow and multi-colored blooms evoke the essence of summer.
But timing is everything when it comes to sowing sunflower seeds at the right time to maximize success in Tennessee’s climate.
In this article, I’ll share tips on when to plant sunflowers in Tennessee and how to grow bountiful blooms during the warm season.
Sunflower Growing Conditions in Tennessee
While adaptable sunflowers need a few key conditions to thrive in the Volunteer State
- Full sun – At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Fertile, well-drained soil – Loose soil that isn’t too compacted
- Neutral pH range – Between 6.0 – 7.5 is ideal
- Long, hot season – With temperatures above 55°F
- Protection from wind – Stake or shelter plants if needed
Sunflowers require nutrient-rich soil amended with compost or manure. Their extensive taproots demand room to spread out deep into the earth.
When to Sow Sunflower Seeds Outdoors in Tennessee
Sunflower seeds will rot if planted outdoors too early when soils are still cold and wet. It’s vital to wait until the danger of frost has passed.
In most of Tennessee it’s generally safe to begin planting sunflower seeds directly in the garden from
- West Tennessee – Early to mid April
- Middle Tennessee – Mid to late April
- East Tennessee – Late April to early May
For best results, plant 1-2 weeks after your region’s average final spring frost date, when the soil has thoroughly warmed.
Aim for daytime soil temperatures above 60°F and ideally closer to 70°F before sowing seeds. Using a soil thermometer can help determine readiness.
Tips for Planting Sunflowers in Tennessee
Follow these tips for successfully growing sunflowers from seed in Tennessee:
- Plant 1-1.5 inches deep in loose, crumbly soil and 6 inches apart.
- Prepare soil well by tilling down 12-24 inches and mixing in compost.
- Ensure full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sun exposure.
- Shelter from wind if possible to reduce flopping.
- Water at first until seedlings are established.
- Fertilize with a balanced organic product to fuel growth.
- Succession plant every 2-3 weeks until mid summer for continuous blooms.
I succession plant sunflowers from April through July for a steady supply all season. The giant varieties go in first, followed by mid-size and dwarfs.
Best Sunflower Varieties for Tennessee
With so many sunflower cultivars to select from, it can be tough deciding which are best to grow in Tennessee.
Here are some top sunflower varieties that thrive in the state’s climate:
Tall Sunflowers
- American Giant – Massive 15′′ yellow blooms on 14′ plants
- Paul Bunyan – Giant yellow single heads on 13-15′ sturdy stalks
- Mammoth Russian – Heirloom yellow flowers on 12′ plants
Mid-sized Sunflowers
- Autumn Beauty – Gorgeous 6″ multi-colored blooms on 7′ branching stems
- Ring of Fire – Unique 4-5′ bicolor variety with red-yellow petals
- Soraya – Brilliant orange 5-6′ blooms on sturdy base
- Sunrich Gold – 5′ pollen-free yellow blooms, great for cutting
Dwarf Sunflowers
- Elf – Cheery little 1-2′ yellow blooms with 4″ diameter
- Pacino – Early flowering 18′′ container variety
- Sungold – Cute 2-3′ double yellow flowers on branching stems
- Sunset – 3′ bicolor with dark burgundy petals and yellow tips
Cutting Sunflowers
- Valentine – 5′ lemon yellow single blooms on long, strong stems
- Sunbelievable – Giant yellow-gold blooms on 6-7′ stalks, great vase life
When to Harvest Sunflowers in Tennessee
Most sunflowers take 70-95 days from seed to full bloom depending on variety. Keep a close eye on them as maturity approaches.
The heads are ready for harvesting when the back turns yellow or brown, rays droop down, and center seeds look plump.
Cut whole heads leaving about 6 inches of stem. Hang upside down in a dry spot to finish drying. Then rub seeds off the dried heads and store until replanting.
Enjoy Summer Sunflower Success
With proper timing and care, growing bountiful sunflower blooms is easy in Tennessee’s climate. Just be patient and wait until after the spring frost risk has passed. Prepare soil well, plant in full sun, and succession sow for continuous color.
How to Plant Sunflower Seeds
Before they can be planted, perennial sunflower seeds like Maximillian Sunflower need to be treated with a special process called cold stratification for 28 days. Learn how to cold stratify your seed here.
Once you’ve picked out a spot, dig down two inches and turn the soil over to make it airy. Many seeds, like poppies, need sun to germinate. Sunflowers, on the other hand, need to be pushed 1 inch deep into the ground. If you leave them on the ground, birds will probably eat them before they even start to grow. Big sunflowers should be spaced 36 inches apart, regular-sized ones 24 inches apart, and small ones 12 inches apart.
Where to Plant Sunflower Seeds
Where sunflowers get at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun every day is best for their growth. Though sunflowers are not finicky, they do appreciate loose, well-draining soil. Choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds, perhaps along a fence or near a building. Also consider the height that the particular variety will reach.
How to Grow Sunflowers Successfully At Home
FAQ
What is the best month to plant sunflowers?
Do sunflowers come back every year?
What not to plant with sunflowers?
How long does it take for a sunflower to grow?
When do sunflowers bloom in East Tennessee?
In East Tennessee, sunflowers can bloom throughout the summer and into early fall. The peak of the season is usually in mid-summer, around late June through early August. The length of the in-bloom season for each individual field will depend on which variety of sunflower is planted. Why Are Sunflower Fields Important?
When to plant sunflower seeds?
Start your seeds under glass in March and April, or direct sow your sunflower seeds outdoors in April or June, once all chance of frost has passed. Your flowers will bloom from July through to September. Possibly the tallest sunflower ever bred (and recommended by Which?)
When is the best time to plant sunflowers in North Carolina?
Growing Sunflowers In North Carolina – Knowledgebase Question. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO PLANT SUNFLOWERS AND HOW MANY HOURS OF SUNLIGHT DO THEY REQUIRE. Sunflowers require full sun all day to do their best. They are planted in the spring, usually directly into the soil where they are to grow.
When should you plant sunflowers in Georgia?
Sunflowers should be planted several weeks after the last frost. This could be as early as March in south Georgia or the beginning of May in north Georgia. Ideally, the soil temperature should be at least 60 °F prior to planting. When planting in rows, space seeds about 6 inches apart in the row, and plant 1 to 2 inches deep.
