When to Plant Sunflower in Lee County, FL
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.
Lee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 86°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.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-5.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Lee County, FL
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 17 | Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Direct Sow | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 18 |
| Harvest | April 15 | Apr 15 – Jun 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
70–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 10a
Growing Season
325 days
Growing Tips for Lee 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
Level Up Your Garden
Sunflower in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sunflower in Lee County, FL?
Lee County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 28. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, FL?
Lee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 28 and first fall frost is December 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lee County gardeners in Zone 10a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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