When to Plant Sunflower in Wayne County, GA
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.
Wayne County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 268 days.
At an elevation of 473 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 61.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sunflower root diseases.
Wayne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.4
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 | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Wayne County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Wayne County, GA
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 11 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jul 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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
268 days in Wayne County
Growing Tips for Wayne County
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 Wayne County, GA?
Wayne County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wayne County, GA?
Wayne County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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