FrostCal

When to Plant Sunflowers in Arizona

In a typical Arizona location, sow outdoors Feb 20 – Mar 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 11 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 11 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 70–100 days

Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.

Sunflowers Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sow
PhoenixJan 12 – Jan 26
TucsonJan 27 – Feb 10
MesaFeb 20 – Mar 6
ChandlerFeb 20 – Mar 6
GilbertFeb 20 – Mar 6
GlendaleJan 27 – Feb 10
ScottsdaleFeb 20 – Mar 6
PeoriaJan 27 – Feb 10
TempeFeb 20 – Mar 6
Tempe JunctionFeb 20 – Mar 6
SurpriseJan 27 – Feb 10
YumaJan 15 – Jan 29
San Tan ValleyFeb 8 – Feb 22
AvondaleJan 14 – Jan 28
GoodyearJan 14 – Jan 28
FlagstaffJun 11 – Jun 25
Casas AdobesMar 5 – Mar 19
Lake Havasu CityJan 12 – Jan 26
Casa GrandeFeb 12 – Feb 26
BuckeyeJan 14 – Jan 28
Catalina FoothillsFeb 27 – Mar 13
MaricopaMar 2 – Mar 16
Oro ValleyApr 9 – Apr 23
Sierra VistaApr 12 – Apr 26
Prescott ValleyApr 27 – May 11
PrescottMay 7 – May 21
MaranaMar 2 – Mar 16
Bullhead CityJan 11 – Jan 25
Apache JunctionFeb 18 – Mar 4
Sun CityJan 27 – Feb 10

Showing the 30 most populous of 72 Arizona cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Arizona cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant sunflowers in Arizona?

In a typical Arizona location, sow outdoors Feb 20 – Mar 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 11 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 11 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Arizona?

The average last spring frost in Arizona ranges from January 4 in Bullhead City to June 4 in Flagstaff, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do sunflowers take to grow?

Sunflowers typically take 70–100 days from planting to harvest. Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.

Other Crops in Arizona

When to plant sunflowers in other states

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