About Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a warm-season annual oilseed crop that provides high-fat, energy-dense seeds that deer, turkey, dove, and waterfowl all utilize heavily from late summer through fall. Deer are drawn to sunflower seed heads as they mature and will consume both seeds and the soft, tender growth of young plants, so adequate plot size is important to survive early-season browsing. Sunflowers also provide visual screening and structure in a diversified food plot system and are one of the most multi-species-friendly crops available to wildlife managers.
How much Sunflowers seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Sunflowers is 20–25 lbs per acre, dropping to about 18 lbs per acre when drilled. 20–25 lb/ac broadcast; 15–20 lb/ac drilled. Full-sun and well-drained soil required. Minimum 1–2 acres recommended — deer pressure can prevent head development in small plots. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Sunflowers
Sunflowers is a warm-season crop. In the northern US, plant in late Apr–May; farther south, plant in Apr–May. Sow it 1" deep and plan on 100–125.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.5(don't go below ~6). 200 lb/ac 10-10-10 or 13-13-13 at planting per soil test. Sunflowers are moderate nitrogen users but respond well to P and K. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Sunflowers blends well with grain sorghum, corn, buckwheat, cowpeas if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Sunflowers FAQ
- How much Sunflowers seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Sunflowers at about 20–25 lbs per acre, or 18 lbs per acre if you drill it. 20–25 lb/ac broadcast; 15–20 lb/ac drilled. Full-sun and well-drained soil required. Minimum 1–2 acres recommended — deer pressure can prevent head development in small plots.
- When should I plant Sunflowers?
- In the northern US plant in late Apr–May; in the South plant in Apr–May. Expect 100–125.
- What soil pH does Sunflowers need?
- Sunflowers does best at a soil pH around 6.5 (minimum ~6). 200 lb/ac 10-10-10 or 13-13-13 at planting per soil test. Sunflowers are moderate nitrogen users but respond well to P and K.
- Do deer like Sunflowers?
- Deer preference: high — drawn strongly to mature seed heads for high-fat seeds; also provides excellent cover structure and turkey/dove habitat; protein 15–20%.