When to plant sunflower in Massachusetts
Massachusetts spans USDA zones 5b–7b, so the right time to plant sunflower shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 4 in Boston to May 10 in North Adams — below are local dates for 89 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 7a | April 4 | November 9 | April 4 – April 25 |
| Worcester | 6a | April 23 | October 21 | April 23 – May 14 |
| Springfield | 6a | May 3 | October 8 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Cambridge | 6b | April 19 | October 23 | April 19 – May 10 |
| Lowell | 6b | April 30 | October 10 | April 30 – May 21 |
| Brockton | 6b | April 22 | October 19 | April 22 – May 13 |
| Quincy | 7a | April 25 | October 22 | April 25 – May 16 |
| Lynn | 7a | April 25 | October 20 | April 25 – May 16 |
Sunflower in Massachusetts: FAQ
When can I plant sunflower in Massachusetts?
Across Massachusetts, the time to direct-sow sunflower spans roughly April 4 in Boston to May 10 in North Adams, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the sunflower planting date vary across Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts publishes 89 cities with their own frost dates, so the right sunflower planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does sunflower take to grow in Massachusetts?
Sunflower takes about 70–100 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
Never miss a window in your area
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to your frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.