🌻 Sunflower, Growing Guide for SEQ
Everything you need to grow Sunflower in South East Queensland's subtropical climate.
When to Sow in SEQ
Edible seeds, attracts pollinators and beneficial insects. Provides shade for heat-sensitive crops. Sunflower hulls are allelopathic, mulch from spent heads can suppress nearby plants.
Growing Requirements
Good Companions (Friends)
Keep Apart (Enemies)
Kitchen Uses
- Seeds roasted and salted as a snack
- Seeds pressed into sunflower oil
- Petals added to salads
- Young heads steamed like artichoke
Health Benefits
- Edible seeds are nutritious and high in vitamin E
- Attracts pollinators for garden health
- Provides shade for heat-sensitive plants
- Oil-rich seeds support wellness
Pests & Diseases in SEQ
Common Pests
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
Common Diseases
- Downy mildew
- Botrytis
Storage
Dry seeds completely before storing in a sealed jar, lasts 6 to 12 months
Value
Saves ~$3-6/week on sunflower seeds, a single head produces hundreds of seeds
Track Sunflower in Your Garden
Drag Sunflower into your garden bed, get weekly reminders for watering, feeding, and harvesting.
Add Sunflower to My Garden →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sunflower in Brisbane?
In South East Queensland, Sunflower can be sown in September, October, November, December, January, February, March. Edible seeds, attracts pollinators and beneficial insects. Provides shade for heat-sensitive crops. Sunflower hulls are allelopathic, mulch from spent heads can suppress nearby plants.
What are good companion plants for Sunflower?
Good companions for Sunflower in SEQ include Cucumber, Corn, Tomato. Avoid planting near Potato.