Flower · Easy
How to Grow Gold Rush
Helianthus annuus
Your complete guide to growing Gold Rush.
SunFull sun (6+ hours)
WaterModerate — regular watering
Harvest60-65 days
Zones2–11
Height1-10 feet
📷 Wikipedia: Common sunflowerWhen to Plant Gold Rush
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May – June | July – September | — |
| Zone 2 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January | February – April | — |
| Zone 11 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 12 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 13 | January | January – March | — |
Companion Plants for Gold Rush
✓ Good companions
Cosmos
Provide vertical structure and attract pollinators
Lavender
Repels moths, fleas, and flies with strong fragrance
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles
Petunias
Repel aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs
Sunflowers
Provide wind protection and attract pest-eating birds
Sweet Alyssum
Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and hoverflies
Zinnia
Attract butterflies and beneficial predatory insects
✗ Keep away from
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many flowers
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds suppress growth of nearby plants
Fennel
Inhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathy
