When to plant Sunflower in Drew County, AR
In Drew County, plant Sunflower in spring between March 4 and March 25, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Drew County's last frost averages March 18, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 70–100 days before the first frost on November 10.
When to Plant Sunflower in Drew County, AR
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.
Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.
At an elevation of 1,158 feet, Drew County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Sunflower during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sunflower root diseases.
Drew County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Drew County, AR
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Bloom | May 27 | May 27 – Oct 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
237 days in Drew County
Growing Tips for Drew 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
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Sunflower in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sunflower in Drew County, AR?
Drew County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Drew County, AR?
Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 10.
When should I plant Sunflower in Drew County, AR?
In Drew County, AR, plant Sunflower after the last frost (around March 18) and before the first frost (around November 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Drew County, AR for Sunflower?
Drew County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Sunflower grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sunflower grow in Drew County's climate?
Yes — Sunflower grows well in Drew County's temperate climate. Drew County averages a 237-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 18 and first frost around November 10.
Your Drew County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Drew County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.