When to Plant Sunflowers in Iowa
In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Apr 28 – May 12. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 17 in Keokuk and as late as May 10 in Grinnell.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Cedar Rapids | May 5 – May 19 |
| Davenport | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Sioux City | May 6 – May 20 |
| Iowa City | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Waterloo | May 4 – May 18 |
| Ames | May 3 – May 17 |
| West Des Moines | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Council Bluffs | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Dubuque | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Ankeny | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Urbandale | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Cedar Falls | May 4 – May 18 |
| Marion | May 5 – May 19 |
| Bettendorf | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Marshalltown | May 5 – May 19 |
| Mason City | May 6 – May 20 |
| Clinton | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Burlington | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Fort Dodge | May 5 – May 19 |
| Ottumwa | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Muscatine | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Johnston | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Coralville | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Waukee | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Altoona | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| North Liberty | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Indianola | May 1 – May 15 |
| Clive | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Newton | Apr 29 – May 13 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in Iowa?
In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Apr 28 – May 12. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 17 in Keokuk and as late as May 10 in Grinnell.
When is the last frost in Iowa?
The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, 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 Iowa
- 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