When to Plant Sunflowers in New Jersey
Few things bring more joy than a row of sunflowers turning their faces to the sun. Easy, dramatic, and pollinator-friendly.
The Short Answer
New Jersey Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of New Jersey you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern New Jersey | 6a, 6b | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 5 - Oct 20 |
| Central New Jersey | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
| Southern New Jersey | 7a, 7b | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Sunflowers Planting Schedule for New Jersey
Northern New Jersey (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20
Central New Jersey (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Southern New Jersey (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Sunflowers in New Jersey
Sunflowers in New Jersey's Climate
Sunflowers are nearly foolproof in moderate climates. Direct sow after frost and watch them grow a foot or more per week in the summer heat. Succession plant every 2 weeks through late June for blooms all summer. Your reliable warm season gives even the tallest mammoth varieties plenty of time to mature.
Soil Considerations for New Jersey
Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural areas. The Garden State for good reason. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting sunflowers outside.
New Jersey Climate & Growing Season
Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing season. Four seasons. Excellent for a wide range of crops. 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 New Jersey: Northern New Jersey (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern New Jersey (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 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