When to Plant Sunflowers in Idaho

In a typical Idaho location, sow outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 13 in Lewiston and as late as May 24 in Eagle. 2 cities in Idaho 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
BoiseMay 1 – May 15
MeridianMay 1 – May 15
NampaMay 6 – May 20
Idaho FallsMay 16 – May 30
PocatelloMay 9 – May 23
CaldwellApr 30 – May 14
Coeur d'AleneApr 29 – May 13
Twin FallsMay 7 – May 21
LewistonApr 13 – Apr 27
Lewiston OrchardsApr 13 – Apr 27
Post FallsApr 29 – May 13
RexburgMay 22 – Jun 5
MoscowFrost-free: year-round planting
EagleMay 24 – Jun 7
CondaFrost-free: year-round planting
KunaMay 1 – May 15
AmmonMay 16 – May 30
ChubbuckMay 9 – May 23
HaydenApr 29 – May 13
Mountain HomeMay 9 – May 23
BlackfootMay 12 – May 26
Garden CityMay 1 – May 15
JeromeMay 9 – May 23
BurleyMay 14 – May 28

Showing the 24 most populous of 24 Idaho cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Idaho cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant sunflowers in Idaho?

In a typical Idaho location, sow outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 13 in Lewiston and as late as May 24 in Eagle. 2 cities in Idaho are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Idaho?

The average last spring frost in Idaho ranges from April 6 in Lewiston to May 17 in Eagle, 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 Idaho

When to plant sunflowers in other states

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