When to plant sunflower in Minnesota
Minnesota spans USDA zones 3b–5a, so the right time to plant sunflower shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 21 in Winona to June 5 in Hibbing — below are local dates for 102 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | 5a | April 23 | October 16 | April 23 – May 14 |
| St. Paul | 5a | April 24 | October 16 | April 24 – May 15 |
| Rochester | 4b | April 30 | October 6 | April 30 – May 21 |
| Bloomington | 5a | April 23 | October 18 | April 23 – May 14 |
| Duluth | 4b | May 14 | October 12 | May 14 – June 4 |
| Brooklyn Park | 5a | April 30 | October 8 | April 30 – May 21 |
| Plymouth | 5a | April 29 | October 12 | April 29 – May 20 |
| Woodbury | 5a | April 26 | October 12 | April 26 – May 17 |
Sunflower in Minnesota: FAQ
When can I plant sunflower in Minnesota?
Across Minnesota, the time to direct-sow sunflower spans roughly April 21 in Winona to June 5 in Hibbing, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the sunflower planting date vary across Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota publishes 102 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 Minnesota?
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.
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