When to plant Sunflower in Cleburne County, AR
In Zone 7b (Cleburne County), direct-sow Sunflower between March 28 and April 18 for spring, after the March 28 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Sunflower in Cleburne County, AR
Cleburne County, Arkansas gardeners: here's your June plan
Your Cleburne County, Arkansas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Basket week: sunflower
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: sunflower
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.
Cleburne County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.
At an elevation of 1,207 feet, Cleburne County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Sunflower during the growing season.
Cleburne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Sunflower Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Cleburne County
How your county's soil matches Sunflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.7) overlaps with Sunflower's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cleburne County is excellent for Sunflower — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Sunflower.
How to Plant Sunflower
Succession Planting Sunflower
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 to harvest before frost.
Sunflower Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Sunflower
Sunflower needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sunflower Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cleburne County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sunflower Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Cleburne County, AR
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Bloom | June 20 | Jun 20 – Oct 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
219 days in Cleburne County
Growing Tips for Sunflower in Cleburne County
Direct sow Sunflower outdoors after March 28 in Cleburne County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Sunflower in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Cleburne County, AR?
Cleburne County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cleburne County, AR?
Cleburne County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.
When should I plant Sunflower in Cleburne County, AR?
In Cleburne County, AR, plant Sunflower after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cleburne County, AR for Sunflower?
Cleburne County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Sunflower grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sunflower grow in Cleburne County's climate?
Yes — Sunflower grows well in Cleburne County's temperate climate. Cleburne County averages a 219-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around November 2.
Your Cleburne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cleburne County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.