When to Plant Sunflower in Dawson, YT
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.
Dawson, Yukon is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is June 26 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.
At an elevation of 1,213 feet, Dawson receives approximately 12.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly permafrost soil soil. Summer highs average 63°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sunflower to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Sunflower successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Dawson Soil Profile
Soil Type
Permafrost Soil
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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 — Dawson, YT
Sunflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | July 17 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Direct Sow | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 31 |
| Harvest | September 25 | Sep 25 – Nov 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | — |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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 2a
Growing Season
100 days
Growing Tips for Dawson
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 Dawson, YT?
Dawson is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of June 26. Plan your Sunflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dawson, YT?
Dawson, Yukon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is June 26 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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