When to plant Sunflower in Bacon County, GA
For Sunflower in Bacon County, the safe spring window opens around February 18 and closes around March 11. Last expected frost is March 11, first fall frost November 19, giving a 253-day growing season.
When to Plant Sunflower in Bacon County, GA
June in the garden — Bacon County, Georgia
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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It's harvest week for sunflower
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Bacon County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.
At an elevation of 165 feet, Bacon County receives approximately 58.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Sunflower may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Sunflower, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sunflower root diseases.
Bacon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Bacon County
How your county's soil matches Sunflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Sunflower's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Bacon County is excellent for Sunflower — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Sunflower.
How to Plant Sunflower
Succession Planting Sunflower
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 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 | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bacon 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 — Bacon County, GA
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Bloom | May 13 | May 13 – Oct 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
253 days in Bacon County
Growing Tips for Sunflower in Bacon County
Direct sow Sunflower outdoors after March 11 in Bacon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Bacon County's clay soil (26% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Sunflower. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Bacon County, provide afternoon shade for Sunflower and water deeply in the morning.
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 Bacon County, GA?
Bacon County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bacon County, GA?
Bacon County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 19.
When should I plant Sunflower in Bacon County, GA?
In Bacon County, GA, plant Sunflower after the last frost (around March 11) and before the first frost (around November 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bacon County, GA for Sunflower?
Bacon 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 Bacon County's climate?
Yes — Sunflower grows well in Bacon County's temperate climate. Bacon County averages a 253-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 11 and first frost around November 19.
Your Bacon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bacon 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.