Sunflowers — Northern Crops Institute (2024)

Approximately 75% of the SUNFLOWERS raised in the United States are grown in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. There are two major types of sunflowers: oilseed and non-oil, which is commonly referred to as confectionery. Typically 75-85% of the annual sunflower crop consists of oil-type varieties.

Oilseed-- The small, black seeds of this sunflower contain approximately 38 percent to 50 percent oil and about 20 percent protein. The oil is mainly used in the U.S. for frying. The oilseed hybrids may be of three fatty acid types: linoleic, mid-oleic (NuSun) or high oleic A unique feature of sun oil from crops grown in northern regions is the high level of oleic acid, an essential fatty acid. Refined sun oil also contains the highest alpha-tocopherol content of all vegetable oils. Some black-seeded oil types go into the hulling market for kernel production and for birdseed. The sunflower meal, a by-product of oil extraction, is used primarily for animal feed.

Confectionery-- The confectionery sunflower varieties are usually black with white stripes, and are larger in size than the oil-type varieties. Seed of confectionery sunflowers has a lower oil percentage and test weight than oil-type sunflower seeds. The seeds are available in a number of ways: in shell or dehulled, raw, salted and/or roasted. Sunflower seeds are eaten as a snack or incorporated into baked goods, salads, candies, and main dishes. The smaller seeds are used as bird food. Sunflower seeds are high in iron containing twice as much as raisins and 3-4 times as much as peanuts.

Sunflowers — Northern Crops Institute (2024)

FAQs

How many bushels of sunflowers per acre? ›

What is the average sunflower yield per acre? An average sunflower yield per acre is around 68 – 75 bushels.

What US state grows the most sunflowers? ›

The U.S. state with the highest production volume of sunflowers was South Dakota at almost 818 million pounds in 2021.

How much is an acre of sunflowers worth? ›

about $250 per acre.

What is a good sunflower yield? ›

Past production studies have shown average yields of around 2000 pounds per acre for full season sunflower, and 1500 pounds per acre for double crop sunflower.

Are sunflowers a good cash crop? ›

“If you look at the analyses in the North Dakota State University crop budgets, the sunflower crop is, year in and year out, on a per acre basis, one of the most profitable crops farmers can grow.

What temperature kills sunflowers? ›

Most susceptible at bud and flowering stage. Temperatures of 28 F and 30 F can result in damaged buds and sterile sections or rings in the flowering head. After pollination and petal drop, sunflower can withstand temperatures as low as 25 F with only minor damage.

What is the sunflower capital of the world? ›

Ukraine had the highest production volume of sunflower seeds of any country in the world in the 2021/2022 crop year.

Where is the biggest sunflower field in the US? ›

The 40-acre sunflower field at Grinter Farms in Lawrence, Kansas, does the title justice.

Who is the biggest sunflower producer in the world? ›

Ukraine and Russia are the world's top producers and exporters of sunflower seed and oil, together accounting for more than 50 percent of world production, according to the United Nations.

Can you make money selling sunflowers? ›

Sunflowers.

The early-blooming varieties – at under 60 days to harvest – are popular market sellers. Some growers prefer to sell individual stems at $4-$6 each.

Why has sunflower seed gotten so expensive? ›

The delayed harvest had led to tightening of old crop stocks, with a third source reporting that "small and medium crushers are out of seeds, and small farmers are out of seeds". Thinner supply has resulted in price increases for sunflower seeds.

Why are sunflowers so expensive? ›

The supply disruption in sunflower seeds has driven up prices of competing oilseeds used to make cooking oil, as importers shifted to buying soybeans, oil palm, and rapeseed.

What is the best fertilizer for sunflowers? ›

Common fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will work well for fertilizing Sunflowers. Granular fertilizer is ideal in the spring because of the gradual release of nutrients over time. Apply a small amount of granular fertilizer to the soil before planting, if the soil is not rich in nutrients.

What is the easiest sunflower to grow? ›

Super easy to grow and extra-appealing to pollinators, 'Lemon Queen' attains heights of five to seven feet. It produces blooms with lemony petals and deep brown centers. It matures in 100 days, so you'll need to be patient.

What is the best thing to feed sunflowers? ›

Feed sunflowers with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, starting a month after planting. Stake sunflowers if they have multiple branches or heavy flower heads.

What is the easiest crop to grow for profit? ›

Easy Crops to Grow From Seed
  • Beans. ...
  • Sunflowers. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Winter Squash, including Pumpkins. ...
  • Okra. ...
  • Chard. ...
  • Kale. Kale tolerates an impressive range of temperatures and is sweetest after frost. ...
  • Spinach. Though it grows slowly in cold weather, spinach is probably the easiest vegetable to grow through the winter.

What is the highest profitable crop? ›

List of most valuable crops and livestock products
Crop or LivestockGlobal gross production value in billion US$Country with highest gross production value in billion USD
Chicken, meat$192$27.4 (United States)
Maize (corn)$191$61.2 (Mainland China)
Wheat$168$50.7 (Mainland China)
Soybeans$107$40.7 (United States)
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What not to plant with sunflowers? ›

There are a few common garden crops that make poor companion plants for sunflowers. This includes potatoes, hyssop, and both herb fennel and Florence fennel.

Can sunflowers handle extreme heat? ›

Sunflowers can survive in extreme heat, but they grow best in temperatures between 70 to 78 degrees.

How long do sunflowers live? ›

Quick Guide
Symbolism:Adoration, Longevity
Native Origin:North America
Blooming Season:Summer, Fall
Average Life:1 to 2 Weeks

What is the sunflower State in USA? ›

First and foremost, Kansas is the sunflower state because our weather is perfectly suited for them. The plant is native to North America and grows well in many locations throughout the continent. Kansas is special, however, because the flower can be found in every county.

What do sunflowers symbolize? ›

Sunflowers symbolise loyalty, adoration thanks to the myth of Clytie and Apollo. And, because of their association with the sun, sunflowers are well-known for being a happy flower and the perfect bloom for a summer flower delivery to brighten someone's mood!

What country eats the most sunflower seeds? ›

Domestic Consumption of Sunflower Seed Oil
#44 CountriesThousand Metric Tons
1#1 India2,550.00
2#2 China2,197.00
3#3 Russia2,100.00
4#4 Turkey1,190.00
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Where is famous for sunflower? ›

Kansas is known as the “Sunflower State,” so it goes without saying there are some awesome fields across the state. One of the best is at Grinter Farms in Lawrence, which boasts more than 40 acres of sunflowers.

Where was the tallest sunflower ever grown? ›

According to giantgardening.com, which tracks records, the tallest sunflower in the world was grown in Germany in 2016. That flower stood 30 feet one inch tall.

Where is the biggest sunflower field in the world? ›

It's sunflower season at the largest sunflower farm in Northern Taiwan. Located in Guanyin, Taoyuan, an estimated 10,000 crowns of yellow color the rows of farmland at Sun & Green between May and October each year.

Which state is first in sunflower production? ›

Major statesTotal Sunflower
AreaProduction
Karnataka2.432 (60.7%)1.336 (47.0%)
Andhra Pradesh0.240 (6.0%)0.209 (7.4%)
Maharashtra0.532 (13.3%)0.211 (7.4%)
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Who exports the most sunflower oil? ›

Ukraine

Where are sunflowers grown in the US? ›

Associations. Approximately 75% of the SUNFLOWERS raised in the United States are grown in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. There are two major types of sunflowers: oilseed and non-oil, which is commonly referred to as confectionery.

How many sunflowers can you grow on an acre? ›

Sunflower seed size can vary tremendously, so simply going by pounds per acre can lead to very different numbers of plants per acre. For average or below-average soils, a seeding rate in the 20,000–24,000 plants per acre range is appropriate.

How many pounds of sunflowers per acre? ›

The optimal planting rate for sunflowers is less than most people would expect. Three to five pounds of seed per acre planted on 30- to 40-inch row widths (one to two plants per foot within a row) should yield a final crop of 18,000 to 26,000 sunflower plants per acre.

How much money can you make selling sunflowers? ›

Sunflowers.

The early-blooming varieties – at under 60 days to harvest – are popular market sellers. Some growers prefer to sell individual stems at $4-$6 each.

How many pounds is a bushel of sunflowers? ›

Ranging between 24-32 lbs/bushel, both oil and confection sunflower seed are about half the weight of corn and grain sorghum (56 lbs/bu) and soybeans and wheat (60 lbs/bu).

How long until a sunflower is fully grown? ›

There are various varieties of sunflowers, and each one will grow at a different rate. On average, though, it takes between 80 and 120 days for a plant to mature and develop seeds.

Can sunflowers be overcrowded? ›

The flowers can be sensitive to overcrowding and thus new seedlings should be removed. Dead foliage and leaf litter should also be removed, as well as weeds in order to ensure maximum growth. Also, larger sunflowers should be staked in order to prevent bending and falling when exposed to wind and rain.

What is the fastest growing sunflower? ›

Possibly the smallest and quickest flowering sunflower available. The dwarf multi-flowering plants of Sunflower Choco Sun produce their first blooms in eleven to twelve weeks from sowing.

Do sunflowers deplete the soil? ›

Sunflowers are heavy feeders and deplete the soil more than many other crops – especially if you are growing them to reach a massive height so the nutrient supply must be replenished each season. Work in a slow release granular fertilizer – one that also contains trace minerals – about 8 in. deep into your soil.

Do whitetail deer like sunflowers? ›

Do Deer Like Sunflowers? As you already know, deer absolutely love sunflowers. They choose this plant for their protein content and love devouring the flowers and leaves. Sunflowers are also rich in phosphorous, which is yet another reason why deer prefer it.

What is the easiest and most profitable crop to grow? ›

Top 13 Most Profitable Crops To Grow
  • Mushrooms.
  • Microgreens.
  • Ginseng.
  • Lavender.
  • Saffron. ...
  • Goji Berries. ...
  • Wasabi. ...
  • Bonsai Plants.

Who is the largest sunflower seed producer? ›

Trends of Top 10 Producers
CountryProduction Volume
2020
1Global50.23M
2Russia13.31M
3Ukraine13.11M
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What month are sunflowers harvested? ›

Sunflowers are usually ready for harvest around 120 days after planting. This varies with climate and genetics. Therefore, although there are usually fields that are harvested in September and some as late as November, the bulk of sunflower harvest in South Dakota occurs in October.

What is the market price for sunflowers? ›

The average price is 7050.00 INR/Quintal across varieties.

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