When to Plant Sunflower in Gainesville, Florida (32608)

Location

Gainesville, Florida

ZIP Code

32608

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Friday, February 20, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Direct Sow Outdoors Friday, February 27, 2026

Pro Tip: Sow Sunflower directly outdoors 1 week after your last frost date — it needs warm soil.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Helianthus annuus

Days to Maturity 80 days

Mature Height 36-96"

Spread 24"

Type Annual

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Low-Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

1" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Sunflower in Gainesville?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, February 27, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CornCucumberSquash

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

PotatoFennel

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Growing Sunflower in Zone 9a

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Gainesville, Florida, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, February 27, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, February 20, 2026. Sunflower grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.