When to Plant Sunflower in Hawaii
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.
Hawaii spans USDA hardiness zones 11a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.
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Click your county for exact Sunflower planting dates based on your local frost dates.
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Sunflower Planting Calendar for Hawaii
▸ Zone 11a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 11 | Dec 11 – Dec 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | November 6 | Nov 6 – Nov 20 |
| Direct Sow | November 6 | Nov 6 – Nov 27 |
| Bloom | January 29 | Jan 29 – Aug 27 |
Growing Tips for Hawaii
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.
Sunflower in Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sunflower in Hawaii?
Planting dates for Sunflower in Hawaii depend on your USDA zone. Hawaii spans zones 11a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is Hawaii for planting?
Hawaii contains USDA hardiness zones 11a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.