Fast, dramatic, and beloved by pollinators and birds. A favorite first crop for kids.
The free tool tailors timing to your climate and lets you save this plant.
Full sun
Zones 2–11
6 in for small types, up to 18–24 in for giant varieties.
Well-draining soil; not fussy; pH 6.0–7.5.
Water deeply but infrequently once established; deep roots make them drought-tolerant.
May – Jun
Aug – Sep
Direct sow after frost; they grow fast and resent transplanting. Leave heads for birds, or dry to harvest seeds.
Good with Cucumber, Corn, Squash, Bean. Keep apart from Potato, Pole bean.