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Container growing guide

Sunflower

Sunflower / Surajmukhi

Tall, cheerful flower with edible seeds. Dwarf varieties fit balconies; giants need deep pots.

HerbmediumseasonalWarm seasonCool season
Curated guide
70terrace fit
Open in Grow

Planting calendar

Month-by-month sowing suitability (northern-hemisphere reference — the app shifts calendars for your latitude). Best months to sow: Mar–May, Sep–Nov.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Not recommendedPossibleGoodBest
Sunflower monthly sowing suitability
MonthSuitability
JanuaryNot recommended
FebruaryNot recommended
MarchBest
AprilBest
MayBest
JuneGood
JulyGood
AugustGood
SeptemberBest
OctoberBest
NovemberBest
DecemberNot recommended
Growing requirements
Sun
7–10 hours direct light
Water
Medium
Shade tolerance
Low
Container
30L (18 inch grow bag)
Soil depth
35 cm
Support
None
First harvest
70 days from sowing
Lifecycle
100 days
Timeline

Germination: about 8 days.

Flowering begins: around day 35.

First harvest: around day 70.

Harvest window: roughly 45 days.

Terrace notes for Sunflower

Pick dwarf varieties for pots. Stake stems before monsoon winds arrive.

Care tips

  • Water when the top inch of soil dries.
  • Harvest regularly to encourage new growth.
Common pests
  • Aphids
  • Whitefly
Common diseases
  • Leaf spot
  • Powdery mildew

Traits

  • Beginner safe

Questions about growing Sunflower

Can I grow Sunflower or Sunflower / Surajmukhi in a balcony or terrace?

Yes, Sunflower can be grown in a balcony or terrace if you can provide 7-10 hours of direct light and a container around 30L.

Which month is best to sow Sunflower?

The best sowing months for Sunflower are Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Check the monthly calendar on this page before sowing outside that window.

What size pot or grow bag does Sunflower need?

Sunflower works best in a container around 30L with at least 35 cm of soil depth and reliable drainage.

How many days does Sunflower take to harvest?

Sunflower usually reaches first harvest in about 70 days from sowing, with a harvest window of roughly 45 days.

What are common pests and diseases for Sunflower?

Watch for Aphids, Whitefly and Leaf spot, Powdery mildew. Start checks early and improve airflow if leaves stay wet.

Plan Sunflower on your terrace

Track Sunflower in Grow for location-aware sowing windows, care tasks and inventory tracking.

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