When to Plant Sunflowers in North Carolina
In a typical North Carolina location, sow outdoors Apr 7 – Apr 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 25 in Morehead City and as late as May 9 in Boone.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Raleigh | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Greensboro | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Durham | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Winston-Salem | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Fayetteville | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Cary | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Wilmington | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| High Point | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Asheville | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Greenville | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Concord | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Gastonia | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Jacksonville | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Chapel Hill | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Rocky Mount | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Huntersville | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Burlington | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Wilson | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Kannapolis | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Apex | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Hickory | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Wake Forest | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Indian Trail | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Mooresville | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Goldsboro | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Monroe | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Salisbury | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Holly Springs | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Matthews | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 95 North Carolina cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all North Carolina cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in North Carolina?
In a typical North Carolina location, sow outdoors Apr 7 – Apr 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 25 in Morehead City and as late as May 9 in Boone.
When is the last frost in North Carolina?
The average last spring frost in North Carolina ranges from March 18 in Morehead City to May 2 in Boone, 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 North Carolina
- 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