Sunflower Planting Date: An Important Decision

Abstract

Sunflower production involves a series of decisions, and one of the most controversial is optimum date of planting. Planting date affects not only sunflower growth, but it also affects the severity of damage from insects and fungi that feed on sunflower. Planting date recommendations vary among specialists. Consequently, recommendations are often generalized to include a 1- to 2-month period in the northern states. The sunflower varieties and hybrids grown on Minnesota farms do not usually require the entire growing season, so planting dates range from late April to early July. Research plot data in this report show the effect of date of planting on sunflower growth, seed yield, seed quality, and oil quality. The effect of date of planting on severity of damage from sunflower pests is also discussed. Date-of-planting trials were conducted from 1967 through 1969 with Peredovik, Armavirec, and Krasnodarets oilseed varieties and Arrowhead, Mingren, and 66 VI nonoilseed varieties at Rosemount and Grand Rapids. USDA 894 hybrid was used from 1982 through 1984 at Grand Rapids, Crookston, and Morris. Trials were located on sandy soil at Grand Rapids and on silt loam soil at the other locations.