When to plant Sunflower in Dade County, MO
Spring Sunflower in Dade County goes in April 8–April 29, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Sunflower in Dade County, MO
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.
Dade County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 660 feet, Dade County receives approximately 37.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Sunflower during the growing season.
Dade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dade County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Dade County, MO
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Bloom | July 1 | Jul 1 – Oct 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Dade County
Growing Tips for Dade 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 Dade County, MO?
Dade County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dade County, MO?
Dade County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Sunflower in Dade County, MO?
In Dade County, MO, plant Sunflower after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dade County, MO for Sunflower?
Dade County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Sunflower grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sunflower grow in Dade County's climate?
Yes — Sunflower grows well in Dade County's temperate climate. Dade County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.
Your Dade County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dade County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.