When To Plant Sunflowers in Melbourne

When to plant sunflowers in Melbourne? I plant in July and pick them in September…

Sunflowers are one of the most versatile and easy to grow flowers of all time. They were the very first thing I ever grew (when I started gardening as a total newbie 10 years ago) and even though I was totally clueless then, they worked out! If you’re wondering when to plant sunflowers in Melbourne, I have good news for you: they seem to flower across each season of Melbourne’s weather.

From Melbourne’s cool autumn and winter, to the hot and then hotter spring and summer, sunflowers seem to manage. But! There are some rules for having sunflower success across all the seasons. Check them out below!

Wondering when to plant sunflowers in Melbourne (like mine above)? Simple answer: all the time if you’re careful!

When To Plant Sunflowers In Melbourne | A Review

#1 Autumn/ Winter: I was shocked when I planted sunflowers in both autumn and then winter 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.

#2 Spring/Summer: Sunflowers can and do grow well during the sweltering summer months, 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.

Sunflowers grown in my backyard

Looking for more info? Check out my take on Raised Garden Bed Ideas For Melbourne or my Free Melbourne Planting Calendar.