When to plant sunflower in North Dakota
North Dakota spans USDA zones 4a–4b, so the right time to plant sunflower shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about May 4 in Fargo to May 21 in Williston — below are local dates for 9 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | 4a | May 4 | October 2 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Bismarck | 4a | May 10 | September 30 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Grand Forks | 4a | May 10 | October 1 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Minot | 4a | May 10 | October 1 | May 10 – May 31 |
| West Fargo | 4a | May 4 | October 2 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Williston | 4a | May 21 | September 21 | May 21 – June 11 |
| Dickinson | 4b | May 20 | September 22 | May 20 – June 10 |
| Mandan | 4a | May 13 | September 27 | May 13 – June 3 |
Sunflower in North Dakota: FAQ
When can I plant sunflower in North Dakota?
Across North Dakota, the time to direct-sow sunflower spans roughly May 4 in Fargo to May 21 in Williston, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the sunflower planting date vary across North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota publishes 9 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 North Dakota?
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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