Chianti

Family: Asteraceae Oilseed and ornamental annual

Planting Schedule

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Velvety, wine-kissed petals unfurl in bold, sun-facing heads—Chianti brings a dramatic blend of warm amber and deep garnet tones that feels almost luminous at golden hour.

The blooms hold a sturdy, upright presence with a satisfying, substantial texture, making each flower a standout centerpiece in the garden. Grow Chianti for striking cut-flower impact and pollinator-friendly color that draws bees and butterflies from the first open to the last.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

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Chianti Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Aug 3rd – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 24th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 24th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Jul 28th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 24th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Jul 22nd – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jul 17th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Jul 13th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jul 10th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jul 4th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	Jun 29th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	Jun 19th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	Jun 10th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	Jun 1st – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	May 15th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	Apr 20th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common on Helianthus annuus (sunflower) and how can I control it?

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are commonly hit by sunflower rust (Puccinia helianthi), which shows up as yellow spots that turn into rusty-orange pustules on leaves. Remove and discard heavily affected leaves early, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid overhead watering so foliage stays dry. If it’s spreading fast, use a labeled fungicide for rust on sunflowers and repeat according to the label during warm, humid weather when rust peaks.

How often should I water Chianti sunflowers during the main growing phase?

During the main growth phase (after establishment and leading up to bloom), keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for watering when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out. Typically this means about 1 inch of water per week from rainfall plus irrigation, increasing slightly during hot, windy periods. If leaves wilt in the afternoon but perk up overnight, water deeply; if the soil stays wet and leaves stay yellow or droop, cut back to prevent root stress and fungal issues.

How do I tell when Chianti (Helianthus annuus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the back of the flower head turns yellow to brown and the outer petals have mostly died back. For seed harvest, check that the bracts are dry and tight and that the seeds feel firm; you should see a mature seed color typical for the variety while the head is still attached. Cut the heads in the morning and dry them further in a well-ventilated, dry area before removing seeds fully.