Oilseeds· Helianthus annuus
Sunflower Growing Guide
Major oilseed crop grown for oil and confectionery seeds. Drought tolerant and attractive to pollinators. Deep taproot improves soil structure.
How Long Does Sunflower Take to Grow?
Sunflower is typically ready to harvest about 100 days after planting.
FAO. 2025. FAOSTAT: Production: Crops and livestock products. Accessed on 13 October 2026. https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL Licence: CC-BY-4.0.
Growing Conditions
Soil Requirements
Soil Type & pH
Best soil types: loam, sandy loam, clay loam
pH range: 6 - 7.5 (optimal: 6.8)
Drainage: good
Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)
Planting Guide
Yield & Economics
Common Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
- Sunflower moth
- Lygus bugs
- Aphids
- Birds
Common Diseases
- Sclerotinia
- Downy mildew
- Rust
- Phomopsis
Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.
Growing Tips
Plant in warm soil after frost danger
Rotate with cereals to break disease cycles
Scout for head diseases during wet periods
Consider bird deterrents near harvest
Harvest when seed moisture reaches 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Sunflower take to grow?
Sunflower typically takes 100 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 10 days. The best planting season is spring.
What soil does Sunflower need?
Sunflower grows best in loam, sandy loam, clay loam soil with a pH of 6-7.5. Good drainage is required.
What temperature does Sunflower need?
Sunflower grows best at 20-28°C. Frost tolerance: light. Heat tolerance: high.
What is the expected yield for Sunflower?
Across 75 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Sunflower range from 430 to 3,270 kg/hectare, with a median of 1,520. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.
Key Agronomy Terms
Core farming concepts, explained in plain language.
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