When to Plant Sunflower in Lawrence County, OH
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.
Lawrence County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 1,332 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 37.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Sunflower during the growing season.
Lawrence County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.3
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lawrence County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Lawrence County, OH
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Bloom | July 16 | Jul 16 – Oct 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
181 days in Lawrence County
Growing Tips for Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, OH?
Lawrence County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lawrence County, OH?
Lawrence County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 21.
Your Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lawrence 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.