When to Plant Sunflowers in Rhode Island
In a typical Rhode Island location, sow outdoors Apr 18 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Newport and as late as May 8 in Narragansett.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Providence | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Warwick | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Cranston | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Pawtucket | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| East Providence | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Woonsocket | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Coventry | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Cumberland | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| North Providence | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| South Kingstown | May 8 – May 22 |
| West Warwick | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Johnston | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| North Kingstown | May 4 – May 18 |
| Newport | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Bristol | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Smithfield | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Lincoln | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Central Falls | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Westerly | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Portsmouth | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Middletown | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Barrington | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Narragansett | May 8 – May 22 |
| East Greenwich | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Newport East | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Valley Falls | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Warren | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| North Smithfield | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| North Scituate | May 2 – May 16 |
Showing the 29 most populous of 29 Rhode Island cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Rhode Island cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in Rhode Island?
In a typical Rhode Island location, sow outdoors Apr 18 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Newport and as late as May 8 in Narragansett.
When is the last frost in Rhode Island?
The average last spring frost in Rhode Island ranges from April 7 in Newport to May 1 in Narragansett, 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 Rhode Island
- 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