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When to Plant Sunflower in Medina 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.

Medina County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 265 days.

At an elevation of 1,498 feet, Medina County receives approximately 56.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92Β°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.

Medina County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
265 days
Last Spring Frost March 3
265 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Medina County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Sunflower

Sunflower needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Sunflower Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 5.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Medina County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sunflower Planting Timeline β€” Medina County, TX

Sunflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 13 Jan 13 – Jan 27
Transplant Outdoors March 17 Mar 17 – Mar 31
Direct Sow March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 31
Harvest May 26 May 26 – Jul 14

Plant 1" deep Β· 18" apart Β· Rows 30" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February β€”
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April β€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Low β€” drought tolerant

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

70–100 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

265 days in Medina County

Growing Tips for Medina 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sunflower in Medina County, TX?

Medina County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Medina County, TX?

Medina County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 23.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Medina County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Medina County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.