When to Plant Sunflower in Sumter 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.
Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.
At an elevation of 463 feet, Sumter County receives approximately 60.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Sunflower may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Sumter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6.1
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Sumter County, FL
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 26 | Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 27 |
| Harvest | April 24 | Apr 24 – Jun 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| 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 9a
Growing Season
303 days
Growing Tips for Sumter 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 Sumter County, FL?
Sumter County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumter County, FL?
Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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