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When to Plant Sunflower in Nolan County, TX

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.

Nolan County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 3,997 feet, Nolan County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101Β°F, so Sunflower may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Sunflower will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Nolan County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 24
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Nolan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.3

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 β€” 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 7.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 11.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Nolan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sunflower Planting Timeline β€” Nolan County, TX

Sunflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Outdoors April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 21
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 21
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 – Aug 4

Plant 1" deep Β· 18" apart Β· Rows 30" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Low β€” drought tolerant

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

70–100 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

236 days in Nolan County

Growing Tips for Nolan 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sunflower in Nolan County, TX?

Nolan County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nolan County, TX?

Nolan County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 15.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Nolan County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Nolan County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.