When to Plant Sunflower in Hardeman 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.
Hardeman County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.
At an elevation of 2,010 feet, Hardeman County receives approximately 47.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Sunflower during the growing season.
Hardeman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.3
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hardeman County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Hardeman County, TX
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Bloom | June 22 | Jun 22 – Oct 12 |
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 7b
📆 Growing Season
222 days in Hardeman County
Growing Tips for Hardeman 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 Hardeman County, TX?
Hardeman County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hardeman County, TX?
Hardeman County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 7.
Your Hardeman County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hardeman County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.