When to plant Sunflower in Baldwin County, AL
Aim to plant Sunflower in Baldwin County on or after February 10; the window stays open through March 3. Baldwin County's 266-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle.
When to Plant Sunflower in Baldwin County, AL
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a fast-growing North American native annual famous for its towering stems and brilliant yellow heads. It thrives in full sun and heat, producing large, pollen-rich blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and seed-eating birds. Varieties range from 18-inch dwarfs to 12-foot giants and nearly every color except blue.
Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 336 feet, Baldwin County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Sunflower may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sunflower will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sunflower root diseases.
Baldwin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Baldwin County, AL
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Direct Sow | February 10 | Feb 10 – Mar 3 |
| Bloom | May 5 | May 5 – Oct 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Baldwin County
Growing Tips for Baldwin County
Direct-sow 1 inch deep after last frost; germination takes 7-14 days at 65-75°F soil. Sunflowers dislike root disturbance so direct sowing is strongly preferred over transplanting. Plant in succession every 2 weeks for extended bloom. Stake tall varieties. Avoid overwatering — they tolerate drought once established. Birds will self-deadhead seed heads; leave them up through fall for wildlife.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sunflower in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sunflower in Baldwin County, AL?
Baldwin County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baldwin County, AL?
Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.
When should I plant Sunflower in Baldwin County, AL?
In Baldwin County, AL, plant Sunflower after the last frost (around March 3) and before the first frost (around November 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Baldwin County, AL for Sunflower?
Baldwin County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Sunflower grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sunflower grow in Baldwin County's climate?
Yes — Sunflower grows well in Baldwin County's temperate climate. Baldwin County averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 3 and first frost around November 24.
Your Baldwin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Baldwin County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.