When to Plant Sunflowers in Pennsylvania
In a typical Pennsylvania location, sow outdoors Apr 27 – May 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 6 in Philadelphia and as late as May 22 in Hermitage.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Pittsburgh | May 1 – May 15 |
| Allentown | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Erie | May 3 – May 17 |
| Reading | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Scranton | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Bethlehem | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Bensalem | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Lancaster | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Abington | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Levittown | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Havertown | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Harrisburg | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Altoona | May 2 – May 16 |
| York | May 3 – May 17 |
| State College | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Wilkes-Barre | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Norristown | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Chester | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Mount Lebanon | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Bethel Park | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Wayne | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Radnor | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Williamsport | May 2 – May 16 |
| Monroeville | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Cranberry Township | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Drexel Hill | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Plum | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Back Mountain | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Easton | Apr 25 – May 9 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 121 Pennsylvania cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Pennsylvania cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in Pennsylvania?
In a typical Pennsylvania location, sow outdoors Apr 27 – May 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 6 in Philadelphia and as late as May 22 in Hermitage.
When is the last frost in Pennsylvania?
The average last spring frost in Pennsylvania ranges from March 30 in Philadelphia to May 15 in Hermitage, 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 Pennsylvania
- 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