When to plant sunflower in Vermont
Vermont spans USDA zones 5a–5b, so the right time to plant sunflower shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 29 in Burlington to May 15 in Rutland — below are local dates for 4 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 5b | April 29 | October 15 | April 29 – May 20 |
| South Burlington | 5a | April 29 | October 15 | April 29 – May 20 |
| Rutland | 5a | May 15 | September 27 | May 15 – June 5 |
| Essex Junction | 5a | May 2 | October 11 | May 2 – May 23 |
Sunflower in Vermont: FAQ
When can I plant sunflower in Vermont?
Across Vermont, the time to direct-sow sunflower spans roughly April 29 in Burlington to May 15 in Rutland, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the sunflower planting date vary across Vermont?
Yes. Vermont publishes 4 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 Vermont?
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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