When to Plant Sunflowers in California
In a typical California location, sow outdoors Jan 23 – Feb 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 5 in San Mateo and as late as Jun 3 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Diego | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Jose | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| San Francisco | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fresno | Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Sacramento | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Long Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Oakland | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Bakersfield | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Anaheim | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Riverside | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Santa Ana | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Stockton | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Chula Vista | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Irvine | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fremont | Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| San Bernardino | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Fontana | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Modesto | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Oxnard | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Moreno Valley | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Huntington Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Glendale | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Santa Clarita | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Santa Rosa | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Oceanside | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Garden Grove | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Rancho Cucamonga | Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Ontario | Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Elk Grove | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in California?
In a typical California location, sow outdoors Jan 23 – Feb 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 5 in San Mateo and as late as Jun 3 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
When is the last frost in California?
The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, 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 California
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant sunflowers in other states