SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Arikara

Sunflower
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Arikara to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Arikara
95d to harvest

Warm, golden faces rise with a regal, sun-catching presence—Arikara’s blooms bring a rich, honeyed depth of color and a sturdy, upright confidence to the garden. The seeds develop in substantial, well-filled heads, offering a satisfying, nutty richness prized for seed oil and for saving as an heirloom staple. A non-GMO treasure for pollinators, Arikara rewards attentive growers with bold, long-season performance through 95 days to maturity.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsJan 4th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity95
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)55
Min Night Temp (°F)35
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Arikara in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 55°F before transplanting Arikara.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Helianthus annuus (sunflower), and how can I manage it?
Powdery mildew is a frequent issue on sunflower (Helianthus annuus), showing up as a white, dusty coating on leaves during warm, humid spells. Improve airflow by spacing plants properly and removing heavily infected lower leaves; water at the soil line instead of overhead to keep foliage dry. If it’s spreading, treat early with a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew on vegetables/ornamentals, following the label rate and reapplication timing.
How often should I water Helianthus annuus during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?
During active growth and before seed fill, water deeply about 1–2 times per week, aiming to keep the top 2–3 inches of soil evenly moist but not soggy. In hot weather, you may need more frequent watering, but always let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings to prevent root stress. Once plants begin forming seed heads, switch to steady deep watering (roughly 1 inch per week total from rain and irrigation) to support consistent seed development.
Botanical illustration of Arikara

Warm, golden faces rise with a regal, sun-catching presence—Arikara’s blooms bring a rich, honeyed depth of color and a sturdy, upright confidence to the garden. The seeds develop in substantial, well-filled heads, offering a satisfying, nutty richness prized for seed oil and for saving as an heirloom staple. A non-GMO treasure for pollinators, Arikara rewards attentive growers with bold, long-season performance through 95 days to maturity.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Arikara in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 55°F before transplanting Arikara.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 55°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For best stands, sow sunflower seed directly after the danger of hard frost when soil temps are reliably warm, then thin to the final spacing for large seed heads.