When to Plant Sunflowers in New York
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 York Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of New York you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adirondacks | 3b, 4a, 4b | May 20 - Jun 5 | Sep 5 - Sep 20 |
| Capital Region/Hudson Valley | 5a, 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| New York City/Long Island | 7a, 7b | Apr 5 - Apr 20 | Oct 20 - Nov 10 |
| Western New York | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
Sunflowers Planting Schedule for New York
Adirondacks (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)
Average last frost: May 20 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20
Capital Region/Hudson Valley (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
New York City/Long Island (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 10
Western New York (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Growing Sunflowers in New York
Sunflowers in New York'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 York
Diverse soils. Rich agricultural land in western NY and Hudson Valley. Rocky in Adirondacks. Clay in some areas. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting sunflowers outside.
New York Climate & Growing Season
Wide climate variation. NYC has mild winters. Adirondacks have very short seasons. Lake effect modifies weather near Great Lakes. 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 York: Adirondacks (3b, 4a, 4b) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Western New York (5b, 6a) sees frost end around May 1 - May 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