When to Plant Sunflower in St. Helena Parish, LA
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.
St. Helena Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 270 days.
At an elevation of 437 feet, St. Helena Parish receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam 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.
St. Helena Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.5
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 — St. Helena Parish, LA
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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 8b
Growing Season
270 days
Growing Tips for St. Helena Parish
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 St. Helena Parish, LA?
St. Helena Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Helena Parish, LA?
St. Helena Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help St. Helena Parish gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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