When to Plant Sunflowers in Wisconsin
In a typical Wisconsin location, sow outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Kenosha and as late as May 18 in Merrill.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | May 3 – May 17 |
| Madison | May 8 – May 22 |
| Green Bay | May 14 – May 28 |
| Kenosha | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Racine | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Appleton | May 11 – May 25 |
| Waukesha | May 8 – May 22 |
| Eau Claire | May 1 – May 15 |
| Oshkosh | May 1 – May 15 |
| Janesville | May 3 – May 17 |
| West Allis | May 3 – May 17 |
| La Crosse | May 4 – May 18 |
| North La Crosse | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Sheboygan | May 2 – May 16 |
| Wauwatosa | May 3 – May 17 |
| Fond du Lac | May 4 – May 18 |
| New Berlin | May 10 – May 24 |
| Wausau | May 13 – May 27 |
| Brookfield | May 7 – May 21 |
| Greenfield | May 10 – May 24 |
| Beloit | May 8 – May 22 |
| Franklin | May 10 – May 24 |
| Menomonee Falls | May 13 – May 27 |
| Oak Creek | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Manitowoc | May 7 – May 21 |
| Sun Prairie | May 8 – May 22 |
| West Bend | May 8 – May 22 |
| Fitchburg | May 8 – May 22 |
| Stevens Point | May 11 – May 25 |
| Superior | May 13 – May 27 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 96 Wisconsin cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Wisconsin cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sunflowers in Wisconsin?
In a typical Wisconsin location, sow outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Kenosha and as late as May 18 in Merrill.
When is the last frost in Wisconsin?
The average last spring frost in Wisconsin ranges from April 19 in Kenosha to May 11 in Merrill, 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 Wisconsin
- 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