When to Plant Sunflowers in Hawaii
Few things bring more joy than a row of sunflowers turning their faces to the sun. Easy, dramatic, and pollinator-friendly.
The Short Answer
Hawaii Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Hawaii you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Hawaii | 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a | None | None |
| Upcountry/Mountain | 10a, 10b, 11a | Rare | Rare |
Sunflowers Planting Schedule for Hawaii
Coastal Hawaii (Zones 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a)
Average last frost: None · Average first frost: None
Upcountry/Mountain (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)
Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare
Growing Sunflowers in Hawaii
Sunflowers in Hawaii's Climate
Sunflowers handle extreme heat well — they're one of the few ornamental flowers that actually improve with more sun and warmth. In the desert, plant in early spring before extreme heat arrives. In subtropical Florida, sunflowers grow best during the drier, cooler months from October through March.
Soil Considerations for Hawaii
Volcanic soils — extremely fertile but can be acidic. Excellent drainage on slopes. Varies dramatically by island and elevation. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting sunflowers outside.
Hawaii Climate & Growing Season
Tropical. Year-round growing season at lower elevations. Elevation creates microclimates. Plant warm-season crops anytime. 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 Hawaii: Coastal Hawaii (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a) has a last frost around None, while Upcountry/Mountain (10a, 10b, 11a) sees frost end around Rare. 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