When to Plant Sunflowers in Kentucky
In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Apr 19 – May 3. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Louisville and as late as May 8 in Shelbyville.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Louisville | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Lexington | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Lexington-Fayette | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Meads | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Bowling Green | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Owensboro | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Covington | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Richmond | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Georgetown | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Florence | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Hopkinsville | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Nicholasville | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Elizabethtown | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Henderson | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Frankfort | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Jeffersontown | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Independence | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Paducah | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Valley Station | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Radcliff | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Ashland | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Newburg | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Madisonville | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Murray | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Erlanger | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Winchester | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Fern Creek | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Saint Matthews | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Okolona | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Danville | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 52 Kentucky cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kentucky cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in Kentucky?
In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Apr 19 – May 3. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Louisville and as late as May 8 in Shelbyville.
When is the last frost in Kentucky?
The average last spring frost in Kentucky ranges from March 31 in Louisville to May 1 in Shelbyville, 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 Kentucky
- 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