Annual Flower

When to Plant Sunflowers in Texas

Few things bring more joy than a row of sunflowers turning their faces to the sun. Easy, dramatic, and pollinator-friendly.

The Short Answer

Texas and sunflowers are a natural match — the crop thrives in the state's intense sun and heat, blooming prolifically through conditions that wilt more delicate flowers. Wild sunflowers are native to Texas, and cultivated varieties feel right at home.

Texas Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Texas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Texas (Dallas) 7b, 8a Mar 10 - Mar 25 Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) 8a, 8b Feb 25 - Mar 15 Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 20 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Sunflowers Planting Schedule for Texas

North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 10 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 20

Start Seeds Indoors
2 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Central Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

Start Seeds Indoors
2 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Start Seeds Indoors
2 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Texas Panhandle (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Start Seeds Indoors
2 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Start Seeds Indoors
2 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Growing Sunflowers in Texas

State-Specific Growing Tips

Direct sow from mid-March (south Texas) through April (north Texas). Texas heat and sun produce rapid growth and sturdy stalks. In alkaline soils, sunflowers tolerate higher pH than most garden crops. Water during establishment but reduce once plants are 12+ inches tall — sunflowers are surprisingly drought-tolerant. Succession plant every 2 weeks for continuous blooms.

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Mammoth for giant heads. ProCut and Sunrich for cut flowers. Italian White and Vanilla Ice for unusual colors. Texas native Maximilian sunflower is a perennial option. Any variety handles Texas heat.

Common Challenges in Texas

Birds eat developing seeds. Sunflower moth. In dry years, spider mites on foliage. Squirrels. Minimal disease in Texas's dry climate.

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:

Cucumbers Squash Corn

Keep sunflowers away from:

Potatoes

The Bottom Line

Sunflowers can be grown successfully in Texas with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Texas (Dallas) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 10 - Mar 25, while East Texas sees frost end around Mar 1 - Mar 20. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Sunflowers Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Texas Planting Calendar All plants for Texas Sunflowers in Alabama Alabama planting dates Sunflowers in Alaska Alaska planting dates Sunflowers in Arizona Arizona planting dates Sunflowers in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates