When to Plant Sunflower in Howard County, NE
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.
Howard County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 844 feet, Howard County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sunflower to ensure they mature before fall.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 — Howard County, NE
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 8 |
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 5a
Growing Season
162 days
Growing Tips for Howard 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 Howard County, NE?
Howard County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howard County, NE?
Howard County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Howard County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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