When to Plant Sunflower in Palm Beach County, FL
Palm Beach County, Florida gardeners: here's your May plan
Your Palm Beach County, Florida garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Pick sunflower
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: sunflower
Sunflowers are tall, cheerful annuals grown for their edible seeds and as pollinator magnets. They come in sizes from 2-foot dwarfs to 12-foot giants.
Palm Beach County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 57 days.
At an elevation of 355 feet, Palm Beach County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Sunflower during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sunflower will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Palm Beach County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-5.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Palm Beach County
How your county's soil matches Sunflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–5.9) is more acidic than Sunflower prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Palm Beach County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Sunflower will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sunflower.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.3%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Sunflower.
How to Plant Sunflower
Plant 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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Oct in Palm Beach 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 — Palm Beach County, FL
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 6 | Jan 6 – Jan 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Direct Sow | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 10 |
| Harvest | May 5 | May 5 – Jun 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
57 days in Palm Beach County
Growing Tips for Sunflower in Palm Beach County
Direct sow Sunflower outdoors after February 17 in Palm Beach County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Palm Beach County dries quickly — mulch Sunflower with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 after last frost. Stake tall varieties in windy areas. Harvest seed heads when the back turns brown and seeds are plump. Dry heads upside down.
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 Palm Beach County, FL?
Palm Beach County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Palm Beach County, FL?
Palm Beach County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is .
Your Palm Beach County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Palm Beach County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.