When to Plant Sunflower in Atascosa County, TX
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.
Atascosa County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
At an elevation of 1,942 feet, Atascosa County receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Sunflower during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sunflower root diseases.
Atascosa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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 Atascosa County
How your county's soil matches Sunflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) overlaps with Sunflower's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Atascosa County is excellent for Sunflower — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sunflower.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Sunflower.
How to Plant Sunflower
Succession Planting Sunflower
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 21 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Sunflower Planting Timeline — Atascosa County, TX
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
276 days in Atascosa County
Growing Tips for Sunflower in Atascosa County
Direct sow Sunflower outdoors after February 26 in Atascosa 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 Atascosa County, TX?
Atascosa County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Atascosa County, TX?
Atascosa County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Atascosa County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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