When to Plant Sunflowers in Virginia
In a typical Virginia location, sow outdoors Apr 18 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 23 in Newport News and as late as May 3 in Radford.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Norfolk | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Chesapeake | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Richmond | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Arlington | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Newport News | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Alexandria | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| East Hampton | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Hampton | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Roanoke | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Portsmouth Heights | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Portsmouth | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Suffolk | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| South Suffolk | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Lynchburg | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Centreville | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Dale City | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| West Lynchburg | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Reston | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harrisonburg | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Leesburg | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| McLean | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Charlottesville | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Tuckahoe | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Blacksburg | May 1 – May 15 |
| Ashburn | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Danville | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Manassas | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Lake Ridge | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Burke | Apr 21 – May 5 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 118 Virginia cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Virginia cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in Virginia?
In a typical Virginia location, sow outdoors Apr 18 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 23 in Newport News and as late as May 3 in Radford.
When is the last frost in Virginia?
The average last spring frost in Virginia ranges from March 16 in Newport News to April 26 in Radford, 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 Virginia
- 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