When to Plant Sunflowers in Michigan
In a typical Michigan location, sow outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Port Huron and as late as May 26 in Cadillac.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Detroit | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Grand Rapids | May 13 – May 27 |
| Warren | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Sterling Heights | May 7 – May 21 |
| Ann Arbor | May 12 – May 26 |
| Lansing | May 8 – May 22 |
| Clinton Township | May 7 – May 21 |
| Flint | May 13 – May 27 |
| Dearborn | May 4 – May 18 |
| Livonia | May 8 – May 22 |
| Canton | May 1 – May 15 |
| Troy | May 3 – May 17 |
| Westland | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Farmington Hills | May 8 – May 22 |
| Kalamazoo | May 5 – May 19 |
| Waterford | May 6 – May 20 |
| Wyoming | May 13 – May 27 |
| Shelby | May 3 – May 17 |
| Rochester Hills | May 3 – May 17 |
| Southfield | May 8 – May 22 |
| West Bloomfield Township | May 6 – May 20 |
| Taylor | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Pontiac | May 3 – May 17 |
| Saint Clair Shores | May 6 – May 20 |
| Royal Oak | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Novi | May 8 – May 22 |
| Dearborn Heights | May 8 – May 22 |
| Battle Creek | May 7 – May 21 |
| Kentwood | May 13 – May 27 |
| Redford | May 8 – May 22 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 120 Michigan cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Michigan cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in Michigan?
In a typical Michigan location, sow outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Port Huron and as late as May 26 in Cadillac.
When is the last frost in Michigan?
The average last spring frost in Michigan ranges from April 19 in Port Huron to May 19 in Cadillac, 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 Michigan
- 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