How to Grow Sunflower in New Zealand
Edible seeds and a strong draw for bees and beneficial insects, plus handy summer shade for heat-sensitive crops. Direct sow once the soil warms and stake the tallest types in windier spots.
When to plant sunflower in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October, November, December |
| Canterbury | November, December |
| Otago & Southland | November, December |
| Central Otago | December |
Best sunflower varieties for NZ
- Giant Russian — Towering 1.8-3m plants with enormous golden heads. Quick and easy, a great one for kids. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Autumn Beauty — Branching, long-stemmed type in earthy bicolour tones with lots of side blooms. Excellent for picking. (Kings Seeds)
- Skyscraper — Very tall single-stem variety with huge heads on strong stems. A real statement at the back of the bed. (Kings Seeds)
How to grow sunflower
- Space plants about 50cm apart.
- Sow seed around 2cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 80 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 7 days.
Companion planting
Grow sunflower near: Cucumber, Corn, Tomato.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Caterpillars. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Sunflower plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant sunflower in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy sunflower seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.