When to Plant Sunflowers in Wyoming
Few things bring more joy than a row of sunflowers turning their faces to the sun. Easy, dramatic, and pollinator-friendly.
The Short Answer
Wyoming Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Wyoming you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Wyoming | 4a, 4b, 5a | May 10 - May 30 | Sep 10 - Sep 25 |
| Western Wyoming | 3a, 3b, 4a | May 25 - Jun 15 | Aug 25 - Sep 15 |
| Southern Wyoming | 4b, 5a, 5b | May 15 - Jun 1 | Sep 5 - Sep 20 |
Sunflowers Planting Schedule for Wyoming
Eastern Wyoming (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)
Average last frost: May 10 - May 30 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25
Western Wyoming (Zones 3a, 3b, 4a)
Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 15
Southern Wyoming (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)
Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20
Growing Sunflowers in Wyoming
Sunflowers in Wyoming's Climate
Sunflowers are surprisingly well-suited to cold climates — they grow fast enough to bloom before frost even in zones with 100-day seasons. Direct sow 1-2 weeks after your last frost. The intense summer daylight in northern latitudes actually produces taller stalks and larger heads. Choose varieties under 90 days to maturity for the shortest-season areas.
Soil Considerations for Wyoming
Alkaline, thin soils. Dry climate means little organic matter naturally. Wind erosion a significant challenge. Heavy amendment needed. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting sunflowers outside.
Wyoming Climate & Growing Season
Short growing season. Very windy — wind protection essential for gardens. Low humidity. Cool nights even in summer at elevation. 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 Wyoming: Eastern Wyoming (4a, 4b, 5a) has a last frost around May 10 - May 30, while Southern Wyoming (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 15 - Jun 1. 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