FrostCal

When to Plant Sunflowers in South Dakota

In a typical South Dakota location, sow outdoors May 13 – May 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Tea and as late as May 19 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 70–100 days

Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.

Sunflowers Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sow
Sioux FallsMay 8 – May 22
Rapid CityMay 10 – May 24
AberdeenMay 15 – May 29
BrookingsMay 13 – May 27
WatertownMay 14 – May 28
MitchellMay 9 – May 23
YanktonMay 4 – May 18
PierreMay 13 – May 27
HuronMay 13 – May 27
SpearfishMay 19 – Jun 2
VermillionMay 10 – May 24
BrandonMay 8 – May 22
Box ElderMay 19 – Jun 2
Rapid ValleyMay 10 – May 24
Ellsworth Air Force BaseMay 19 – Jun 2
MadisonMay 12 – May 26
SturgisMay 15 – May 29
Belle FourcheMay 17 – May 31
HarrisburgMay 9 – May 23
TeaMay 3 – May 17

Showing the 20 most populous of 20 South Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all South Dakota cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant sunflowers in South Dakota?

In a typical South Dakota location, sow outdoors May 13 – May 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Tea and as late as May 19 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.

When is the last frost in South Dakota?

The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South Dakota

When to plant sunflowers in other states

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