When to Plant Sunflowers in Alabama
Few things bring more joy than a row of sunflowers turning their faces to the sun. Easy, dramatic, and pollinator-friendly.
The Short Answer
Alabama Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Alabama you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Alabama | 7a, 7b | Mar 25 - Apr 10 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
| Central Alabama | 7b, 8a | Mar 15 - Apr 1 | Nov 1 - Nov 15 |
| Southern Alabama | 8a, 8b | Feb 28 - Mar 15 | Nov 10 - Nov 25 |
Sunflowers Planting Schedule for Alabama
Northern Alabama (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Central Alabama (Zones 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15
Southern Alabama (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25
Growing Sunflowers in Alabama
Sunflowers in Alabama's Climate
Sunflowers love your heat and long days. Plant earlier than northern growers — from mid-March in many warm-zone areas. The intense sun produces vibrant colors and sturdy stalks. Multiple succession plantings can provide sunflower blooms from May through November.
Soil Considerations for Alabama
Red clay soils in north, sandy loam in south. Amend with compost for drainage in clay areas. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting sunflowers outside.
Alabama Climate & Growing Season
Long growing season. Hot, humid summers. Mild winters allow for fall and winter gardening in southern regions. Sunflowers cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across Alabama: Northern Alabama (7a, 7b) has a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 10, while Southern Alabama (8a, 8b) sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. This difference matters for sunflowers — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
Growing Tips
Direct sow is preferred — sunflowers don't love transplanting. Succession plant every 2 weeks for blooms all summer.
Companion Planting
Plant sunflowers alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep sunflowers away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026