When to plant Sunflower in Floyd County, GA
Spring Sunflower in Floyd County goes in March 30–April 20, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Sunflower in Floyd County, GA
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.
Floyd County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 169 feet, Floyd County receives approximately 53.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Sunflower during the growing season. 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.
Floyd County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Sunflower
Sunflower needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sunflower Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Floyd County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Floyd County, GA
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Bloom | June 22 | Jun 22 – Oct 26 |
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
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Floyd County
Growing Tips for Floyd 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 Floyd County, GA?
Floyd County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Floyd County, GA?
Floyd County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 30.
When should I plant Sunflower in Floyd County, GA?
In Floyd County, GA, plant Sunflower after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Floyd County, GA for Sunflower?
Floyd County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Sunflower grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sunflower grow in Floyd County's climate?
Yes — Sunflower grows well in Floyd County's temperate climate. Floyd County averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 30.
Your Floyd County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Floyd County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.