Tried-and-True Tips for Growing and Selling Sunflowers

About two years ago, I discovered a love for growing sunflowers. I was an absolute beginner at growing any flower, but thought it would be something fun to try.

After seeing the fruits of my labor, I felt so accomplished knowing something I had planted as a small seed turned into something so beautiful. I became very passionate about these flowers and decided to turn that newfound passion into a full-on business venture!

How to Grow Sunflowers

Offering fresh cut sunflowers, whether it be bouquets or single stems, is a joyful yet challenging experience. As with anything else, there is a lot of trial and error involved, but the outcome makes it all worthwhile. Sunflowers are both popular and easy to grow, making them great for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of flower farming.

If you are wondering if growing sunflowers is for you, here are a few tips on how to grow and sell sunflowers based on my own experience.

(An important note here: Some of these growing tips may vary depending on what zone you live in. I am in zone 7B.)

Baby sunflowers in the field!

Look at this happy sunflower sprout!

Full-grown sunflowers ready to bring joy to the world.

Purchase high-quality Sunflower seeds

This one is obvious, but make sure to buy seeds from a reputable source. Gurney's and Burpee are my favorites so far. If you are not purchasing online, you can usually find sunflower seeds from your nearby home and garden centers. When buying seeds, get more than you think you need. If you don't plant them all, you can store leftover seeds in the freezer for next year.

Decide where you are going to plant

You want to choose a location with decent soil, full sun, and a nearby water source. The nearby water source will be a lifesaver when it comes to getting H20 to your plants. This will keep you from hauling heavy, water-filled containers to your garden.

Plant Sunflowers after the last frost date for your area

Although I have read that sunflowers are pretty tolerant, and some can be planted two weeks before the last frost date, I still choose to play it safe and wait until the danger of the frost has passed. Better safe than sorry!

Start small

If you’re growing sunflowers for cutting, I recommend starting with a smaller garden so things don’t get overwhelming.

I would try planting two or three rows to see how you like it. This helps to get an idea of what size garden you can handle without overcommitting. (Remember, you can always expand the following year!)

Succession planting Sunflowers is key

Do not plant all of your sunflower seeds simultaneously. That way, you can enjoy continuous blooms all throughout the season. Plant seeds every two or three weeks.

Adjust spacing according to your preferred flower size

During my first year of growing, I planted exactly as my seed packets instructed. I left about 12-18 inches between each seed. This produced big standout flowers. However, these were not so great for bouquets. Spacing around 6 inches apart will result in smaller flower heads that are better suited for bouquets.

Make sure to keep plants watered in the early stages

Young plants need to be watered regularly to develop a strong root system. When plants start getting bigger, they will not require as much water.

Maintain your Sunflower garden as much as possible

Weed removal and using animal or insect repellent, is key! The repellent I use is not harmful to animals—it just keeps them out of the garden. (Do some research on what types of repellents you'd prefer to use.)

Regular maintenance will protect your plants from being overtaken by weeds or eaten, which are two serious problems that you want to avoid.

Following this advice should result in beautiful, healthy sunflowers in two to three months, depending on the variety. They are self-sufficient and pretty low maintenance after the early stages. I feel sure that anyone could grow them!

Find a cute flower cart to hold your flowers and draw your customers’ attention.

How to Sell Cut Sunflowers

Once you have grown your sunflowers, you can follow the next set of tips on how to sell them.

Step out of your comfort zone

Reach out to local business owners and ask if they would allow you to set up a display. This was harder for me because I am a shy, introverted person, but it was definitely worth doing.

This not only helps you practice your "people skills" but also brings customers to the businesses. If you can find friendly and encouraging owners, this makes flower deliveries to their shops something to look forward to. I have even made a few new friends this way!

Figure out pricing

I am still figuring this one out myself. My current system is $2 per stem or 3 for $5, and it seems to work well. People are more likely to buy three flowers for $5 over just one for $2. You can adjust your pricing depending on how fast they sell. If flowers are selling too quickly, you can increase your price and vice versa.

Use social media to your advantage

Create a business page and share it with as many people as possible. If using Facebook, join several groups related to local events such as farmers’ markets and festivals.

You can apply to be a vendor at these types of markets, and it is a great way to put yourself out there. Also, make sure to post flower photos regularly. People love to see updates of my sunflowers from the beginning sprouts to the finished product. Pictures help grab the attention of your online audience.

See what sells best

Some sunflower varieties sell better than others. Make a list of these to remember for the next season and adjust accordingly.

For me, the ProCut Orange variety has been the most profitable. They are pollen-less, golden-orange flowers that are perfect for cut flower arrangements.

Get creative

This tip can be applied in so many different ways! Some examples include decorating a roadside or market stand to catch the eye of potential customers or even incorporating ideas from holidays and events into bouquets.

One year, I had the idea to make patriotic bouquets for the Fourth of July. I used blue napkins with stars as my tissue paper and then stuck in some little American flags from the dollar store. It is all about working with what you have!

Ask family and friends for help

Most of the time, those closest to you are willing to help you. If you are going to set up somewhere to sell flowers, it is so nice to have someone there with you! This makes things such as setting up a booth, handling money, and wrapping bouquets so much easier.

Lastly, but most importantly, be authentically you with everything you do!

There is nothing wrong with taking inspiration from others, but make sure to add your own personal touch. Your personality should shine through your work. This will make you stand apart from the rest!

Now get out there and bring sunshine to the world!