When to Plant Sunflower in Newport News City, VA
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.
Newport News City, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.
At an elevation of 356 feet, Newport News City receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Sunflower during the growing season.
Newport News City Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
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 — Newport News City, VA
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 7b
Growing Season
240 days
Growing Tips for Newport News City
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 Newport News City, VA?
Newport News City is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Newport News City, VA?
Newport News City, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Newport News City gardeners in Zone 7b 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.