When to Plant Sunflower in Scott County, TN
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.
Scott County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.
At an elevation of 1,815 feet, Scott County receives approximately 42.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Sunflower during the growing season.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Scott County
How your county's soil matches Sunflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Sunflower's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Scott County is excellent for Sunflower — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Sunflower.
How to Plant Sunflower
Succession Planting Sunflower
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 13 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Scott County, TN
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
188 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Sunflower in Scott County
Direct sow Sunflower outdoors after April 16 in Scott County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Sunflower in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Scott County, TN?
Scott County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, TN?
Scott County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Scott County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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