Edible flowers
Sunflower
Seed-filled heads to harvest as their backs turn yellow.
Sowing & planting windows in Australia
Planting timing varies by broad Australian gardening zone. Local weather, unusual seasons and your garden’s microclimate can shift timing.
Cool
Sow · Sep–Dec
Core months: September, October, November, December
Possible / shoulder months: January
Temperate
Sow · Aug–Dec
Core months: August, September, October, November, December
Possible / shoulder months: January, February
Subtropical
Sow · Jan–May, Aug–Dec
Core months: January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December
Tropical
Sow · Mar–Nov
Core months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Possible / shoulder months: January, February, December
Arid
Sow · Jan–Feb, Aug–Dec
Core months: January, February, August, September, October, November, December
Possible / shoulder months: March, April, May, June, July
Getting started
Sow directly where plants will grow; thin seedlings to the spacing needed at maturity.
The right conditions
Choose full sun, fertile free-draining soil and reliable moisture.
As it grows
Water consistently while establishing, keep weeds down and provide support where the mature habit needs it. Watch for local pests and remove damaged growth.
Ready to harvest
Cut flower heads when seeds are plump and the back yellows.
Plant guidance: Desk-reviewed; not field-tested. Planting windows are a guide rather than a rule.