Growing sunflowers in Maine is a great experience and an enjoyable way to bring a bit of summer sunshine to the state’s landscape. Sunflowers are hardy and easy to grow in Maine’s climate, and they produce beautiful, bright blooms that will attract a variety of birds, butterflies, and pollinators to your garden.
Sunflowers will also bring a cheerful pop of summer color to your garden, making it a great addition to any outdoor space. Additionally, sunflowers are a great way to add a splash of color to any yard or garden, and the blooms will last for several months, giving you a long-lasting source of joy and beauty.
Maine climate and growing zones
Zone 4b is the coldest, with an average annual minimum temperature of -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone is located in the northern and mountainous parts of the state, and is generally considered too cold for most plants to survive winters.
Zone 5a is the next zone down and has an average annual minimum temperature of -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone is located mostly in northern Maine, and while some plants may survive the winter, they may not be able to produce fruit or flowers.
Zone 5b has an average annual minimum temperature of 0 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone is located in the middle of the state and is suitable for a wide variety of plants, including some more delicate varieties.
Zone 6a is the warmest zone in Maine, with an average annual minimum temperature of 10 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone is located in the southern parts of the state and is suitable for a wide variety of plants, including some tropical varieties.
Growing sunflowers in Maine
Growing sunflowers in Maine can be a challenge due to the cold climate. Maine experiences cold winters and short summers, which can be difficult for warm-season flowers like sunflowers to thrive in. Sunflowers prefer temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit and lots of sunshine, which can be hard to come by in Maine. Sunflowers planted in Maine need to be given extra care and protection to survive the cold climate.
When planning to grow sunflowers in Maine, choosing a variety that is cold-hardy and able to withstand cold temperatures is important. Planting sunflower seeds in the spring when temperatures are beginning to warm up is recommended. It is best to wait until the soil temperature is at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the danger of frost has passed. Sunflowers should be planted in a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If the soil is heavy and has poor drainage, it should be amended with organic matter prior to planting.
It is important to provide sunflowers with plenty of water, especially during periods of hot, dry weather. Mulching around the plants helps to keep the soil moist and prevents weeds from competing for water and nutrients. Sunflowers also need to be staked or supported, as they can be top-heavy and prone to falling over.
In cold climates like Maine, it is best to grow sunflowers in a greenhouse or other sheltered area. This will help protect them from cold temperatures and frost. Growing sunflowers in containers is also an option, as the containers can be easily moved to a warmer location if needed.
Some of my favorite varieties of sunflower include:
- Mammoth Grey Stripe Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 75-100 days to maturity
- Teddy Bear Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 60-90 days to maturity
- Red Sun (Helianthus annuus) – 65-95 days to maturity
- Autumn Beauty Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 75-90 days to maturity
- Lemon Queen Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 75-95 days to maturity
- Velvet Queen Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 90-110 days to maturity
- Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 60-90 days to maturity
- Giant Sungold Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 85-110 days to maturity
- Evening Sun Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 75-95 days to maturity
- Sundance Kid Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 75-95 days to maturity
When to start sunflowers indoors in Maine
Sunflower seeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your final frost date. In Maine, the final frost dates are:
- Zone 4: Around May 12th
- Zone 5: Around April 30th
- Zone 6: Around April 21
You should also consider the size of the variety of sunflower you are planting, as shorter varieties can be planted later and taller varieties will need to be started a week or two earlier. Sunflowers should be started indoors:
- Zone 4: Around April 14th
- Zone 5: Around April 1st
- Zone 6: Around March 24th
Starting sunflowers from seed is a relatively easy process that can be done both indoors and outdoors. To begin, you will need to purchase sunflower seeds from a garden center or online. When selecting seeds, make sure to look for the desired variety you want to grow. Once you have your seeds, you can choose to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date for your region.
Fill a seed tray with starter soil and moisten it with a spray bottle. Place your seeds on top of the soil, cover them lightly with starter soil, and water them gently. Place the tray in a warm and sunny spot, and keep the soil moist. Once your plants have grown 2-3 sets of leaves, you can transplant them outdoors.
Planting sunflowers outside in Maine
Sunflower seeds should be planted outdoors after the last average frost date for your area. Planting sunflower seeds too early can result in poor germination and seedling growth and potentially death if there’s a hard freeze.
When planting outdoors, make sure the area has plenty of sunshine and well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball, and fill the hole with compost or aged manure. Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil, then water deeply.
For the remainder of the sunflower’s life, make sure to keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly. With proper care, you should have beautiful sunflowers in no time!
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Maine
When sunflower seeds are ready to be harvested, the back of the flower head will be dry and start to turn brown. The individual seeds will be dry and firm. The green husks surrounding the seeds will have turned yellow or white and begun to dry out. To check if the seeds are ready to be harvested, lightly pinch the seed head between your thumb and forefinger. If the husks break open easily, the seeds are ready to harvest.
Harvesting sunflower seeds is easy. Cut the flower head off the stem and spread it out on a clean surface. To remove the seeds, use your hands to rub the flower head and release the seeds. Collect the seeds in a large bowl or container. Once the seeds are harvested, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Make sure the container is well sealed to keep the seeds from going bad. Sunflower seeds can last for up to a year if stored properly.
Sunflower seeds are delicious and nutritious snack food. They can be eaten raw, toasted, or sprouted. Sunflower seeds are also used in salads, cereals, granola, and energy bars. They are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. Sunflower seeds can also be used to make sunflower seed butter, which is a great alternative to peanut butter.
In addition to being a healthy snack, sunflower seeds are also used to make birdseed. You can leave your sunflowers intact outside well after the flowers have died to give your local birds a tasty snack!