When to Plant Sunflower in Camp County, TX
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.
Camp County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.
At an elevation of 285 feet, Camp County receives approximately 61.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Camp County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Camp County, TX
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 21 |
| Bloom | May 23 | May 23 – Oct 10 |
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
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
243 days in Camp County
Growing Tips for Camp 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 Camp County, TX?
Camp County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Camp County, TX?
Camp County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Camp County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Camp County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.