The best time to plant sunflowers in New Zealand is during late winter to early spring, typically from August or September. This timing allows the seeds to germinate and establish before the warmer weather of spring and summer. Sunflower seeds can be sown from August through to January, with the optimal planting beginning in early spring once the risk of frost has passed. Sunflowers in New Zealand generally bloom from late spring or early summer, around November or December, and continue flowering through the summer months until January. Planting sunflowers no later than early December is recommended to ensure ample growing and blooming time. Sunflowers prefer a sunny spot with well-draining soil enriched with compost, and they should be spaced about 40 cm apart when sowing seeds directly. They are frost tender, so avoiding planting before the last frost is important for healthy growth. In summary:
- Plant sunflowers from August to early December, ideally in September for best growth conditions.
- Sow seeds about 1-2 cm deep, spaced 40 cm apart.
- Choose full sun, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
- Expect flowering from November to January.
This schedule works for most regions of New Zealand, supported by the temperate climate favorable to sunflowers.
