How to Grow Valentine
Helianthus annuus
Your complete guide to growing Valentine.
📷 Wikipedia: Common sunflowerWhen to Plant Valentine
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 Valentine
✓ Good companions
Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and provides ground cover
Repel aphids and improve soil health with sulfur compounds
Attract beneficial insects and provide structural support
Deters pests with strong fragrance and attracts pollinators
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles
Repel aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs
Attract butterflies and beneficial predatory insects
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many flowers
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit nearby plant growth
Aggressive spreading habit can overwhelm and compete with flowers
