How to grow sunflowers in a raised bed

Sunflowers are pure summer joy — towering, cheerful blooms that feed the bees all season and hand you edible seeds at the end. A raised bed gives them the rich, deep root run they need to reach for the sky.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun, 6+ hours
• Spacing: 30–45 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 10–14 weeks

When should I plant sunflowers?

Sunflowers are frost-tender — sow directly from spring through summer once it's warm. Sow a few in succession for a long display. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): August to January
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): September to January
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): October to December
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): March to August
• Arid inland: February to March and August to November

How do I grow sunflowers in a raised bed?

Sow the big seeds straight into rich mix in full sun. Tall varieties need staking, especially in wind. They're fast, dramatic and easy — a favourite with kids.

How do I use it?

The petals are edible, the young buds can be cooked like artichokes, and the mature seeds are a treat (if the birds don't get them first). Above all, they're a five-star bee and beneficial-insect plant.

What pests attack sunflowers?

Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.

What are the common problems with sunflowers?

The main one to watch is rust and powdery mildew, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.

Where should I plant it?

Plant them at the back of a bed where their height won't shade other crops; a magnet for bees. See our companion planting guide.

More growing guides: cosmos, calendula and bee balm.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Wilfredor, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.