When to Plant Sunflowers in New York
In a typical New York location, sow outdoors Apr 17 – May 1. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 2 in Elmhurst and as late as May 24 in Corning.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| New York City | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Brooklyn | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Queens | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Manhattan | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| The Bronx | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Staten Island | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Buffalo | May 1 – May 15 |
| Jamaica | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Rochester | May 1 – May 15 |
| Yonkers | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Astoria | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Syracuse | May 6 – May 20 |
| Amherst | May 1 – May 15 |
| Elmhurst | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Corona | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Albany | May 4 – May 18 |
| Richmond Hill | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| West Albany | May 4 – May 18 |
| Greenburgh | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| New Rochelle | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| South Ozone Park | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Cheektowaga | May 1 – May 15 |
| Ridgewood | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Mount Vernon | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Forest Hills | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Jackson Heights | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Bayside | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Schenectady | May 4 – May 18 |
| Utica | May 8 – May 22 |
| Brentwood | Apr 17 – May 1 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 267 New York cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all New York cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in New York?
In a typical New York location, sow outdoors Apr 17 – May 1. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 2 in Elmhurst and as late as May 24 in Corning.
When is the last frost in New York?
The average last spring frost in New York ranges from March 26 in Elmhurst to May 17 in Corning, 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 New York
- 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