Sunflower Guide | When To Plant + Where To Buy In Australia

If sunflowers are at the top of your flower growing wish list, read on!

Sunflowers are one of the easiest and brightest flowers that can easily be grown at home. I’ve been growing sunflowers in my backyard in Brisbane for almost a decade and have learned a lot!

I’ve put together this sunflowers guide below with information on the best time to grow sunflowers and where to buy interesting sunflower varieties for anyone wanting to get started!

When to plant sunflowers? All year round!

When To Plant Sunflowers In Australia

I was shocked when I planted sunflowers in both autumn and winter (in my Brisbane garden) and they grew happily along. During cooler months the key is heaps of sunlight. That means planting sunflowers where they get all day sun. If they are planted somewhere in the shade of a tree/house/covered balcony, they will not be happy campers and will start to droop or stunt.

Sunflowers can and do grow well during the sweltering summer months too, but it pays to protect them from the heat as much as possible during this time. I make sure to plant them somewhere that gets morning sunlight, but afternoon shade. They cannot take a full day of burning sun at this point of the year. Water morning and night to help them stay hydrated.

My sunflower haul from my Brisbane backyard over the last few years (pictured above)

Cool Sunflower Varieties To Try In Australia | 2024 Edition

#1 Sunflower Teddy Bear: are cute and fluffy (see below). Buy from Eden Seeds.
#2 Sunflower Lilac Monarch: have a gorgeous pinky-lilac hue (see below). Buy from Veggie Garden Seeds.
#3 Sunflower Giant Russian: are the tallest sunflowers you can find (see below)! Buy from The Diggers Club.
#4 Sunflower Double Dazzler: is a gorgeous ruffled variety (see below). Buy from Southern Harvest.

Image credits: The Diggers Club, Veggie Garden Seeds

Looking for more information? Check out my take on Growing Flowers In Brisbane and Fergie’s Spring Courtyard Flowers.