When to Plant Sunflowers in Indiana
In a typical Indiana location, sow outdoors Apr 29 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 5 in Evansville and as late as May 9 in Auburn.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Fort Wayne | May 1 – May 15 |
| Evansville | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| South Bend | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Carmel | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Bloomington | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Hammond | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Gary | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Fishers | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Lafayette | May 3 – May 17 |
| Muncie | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Terre Haute | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Noblesville | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Kokomo | May 4 – May 18 |
| Greenwood | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Anderson | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Elkhart | May 3 – May 17 |
| Mishawaka | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Lawrence | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Jeffersonville | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Columbus | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| West Lafayette | May 3 – May 17 |
| Portage | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Westfield | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| New Albany | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Richmond | May 1 – May 15 |
| Merrillville | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Goshen | May 3 – May 17 |
| Valparaiso | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Michigan City | Apr 26 – May 10 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 88 Indiana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Indiana cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in Indiana?
In a typical Indiana location, sow outdoors Apr 29 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 5 in Evansville and as late as May 9 in Auburn.
When is the last frost in Indiana?
The average last spring frost in Indiana ranges from March 29 in Evansville to May 2 in Auburn, 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 Indiana
- 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