When to Plant Sunflower in Pembina County, ND
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.
Pembina County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 958 feet, Pembina County receives approximately 26.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sunflower to ensure they mature before fall.
Pembina County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.3
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 — Pembina County, ND
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 |
| Direct Sow | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 19 |
| Harvest | August 14 | Aug 14 – Oct 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 3b
Growing Season
136 days
Growing Tips for Pembina 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 Pembina County, ND?
Pembina County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pembina County, ND?
Pembina County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Pembina County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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