When to Plant Sunflower in Greeley County, KS
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.
Greeley County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 963 feet, Greeley County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Sunflower during the growing season.
Greeley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Greeley County, KS
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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 5b
Growing Season
163 days
Growing Tips for Greeley 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 Greeley County, KS?
Greeley County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Greeley County, KS?
Greeley County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Greeley County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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