When to Plant Sunflowers in Minnesota
In a typical Minnesota location, sow outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 28 in Winona and as late as Jun 12 in Hibbing.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Saint Paul | May 1 – May 15 |
| Rochester | May 7 – May 21 |
| Bloomington | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Duluth | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Brooklyn Park | May 7 – May 21 |
| Plymouth | May 6 – May 20 |
| Maple Grove | May 7 – May 21 |
| Woodbury | May 3 – May 17 |
| Eagan | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Saint Cloud | May 14 – May 28 |
| Eden Prairie | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| West Coon Rapids | May 7 – May 21 |
| Coon Rapids | May 7 – May 21 |
| Blaine | May 12 – May 26 |
| Burnsville | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Lakeville | May 4 – May 18 |
| Minnetonka | May 7 – May 21 |
| Apple Valley | May 4 – May 18 |
| Edina | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Minnetonka Mills | May 6 – May 20 |
| Saint Louis Park | May 6 – May 20 |
| Moorhead | May 12 – May 26 |
| Mankato | May 7 – May 21 |
| Maplewood | May 3 – May 17 |
| Shakopee | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Richfield | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Cottage Grove | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Roseville | May 5 – May 19 |
| Inver Grove Heights | May 1 – May 15 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 104 Minnesota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Minnesota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in Minnesota?
In a typical Minnesota location, sow outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 28 in Winona and as late as Jun 12 in Hibbing.
When is the last frost in Minnesota?
The average last spring frost in Minnesota ranges from April 21 in Winona to June 5 in Hibbing, 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 Minnesota
- 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