Growing Sunflower in Hauts-de-France
13 adapted varieties
In Hauts-de-France, the local agronomic conditions (Cfb — oceanic temperate climate, 903 growing degree days, silty clay loam soil at pH 7.4, 276 frost-free days) are particularly favorable to sunflower cultivation.
Favorable growing period: May to October.
Recommended varieties: LS SKIPPY, LS Lollipop, LS SWIFT
Climate
Limited growing degree days (903 GDD). Choose the earliest maturing varieties.
Notable summer water deficit (-215 mm). Pick drought-tolerant varieties.
Long frost-free season (276 days), allowing broad crop cycles.
Sowing calendar
Favorable growing period: May to October.
Soil & recommendations
Neutral pH (7.4), suitable for most crops.
Recommended varieties
LS SKIPPY
Striped IMI sunflower with safe yield potential, high grain quality and multiple market uses.
LS Lollipop
Striped high-oleic sunflower with strong yield, high oil quality and wide market suitability.
LS SWIFT
This early to very early hybrid combines stable productivity with good disease tolerance, making it suitable for bird food, oil and biofuel markets alike.
L 22-01 S
Very early striped linoleic hybrid with strong yield potential and attractive seed quality.
LSL18-02 I
Early IMI linoleic sunflower hybrid with excellent grain yield, strong lodging resistance and good oil content.
L 25-01 IOS
Striped high oleic sunflower hybrid with IMI tolerance, strong yield potential and attractive striped seed.
L 24-01 IS
Striped linoleic sunflower hybrid with high seed quality, strong yield and IMI tolerance.
LS GLOBSUN
High-yielding linoleic sunflower hybrid with strong lodging and mildew tolerance.
L 15-13 OS – BLUEBIRD
Striped high oleic hybrid with strong grain yield, excellent seed quality and high oleic acid content.
L 25-02 IOS
Striped high oleic hybrid with excellent yield potential and strong oleic acid content.
LS Pickit
Early striped linoleic sunflower with strong yield potential and high-quality grains.
LS Luminal
High-yield linoleic sunflower with strong disease resistance and wide adaptability.
LS Starly
High-oleic striped sunflower with IMI tolerance, strong grain quality and multi-market suitability.
| Variety | Seed | Oil profile | Herbicide tolerance | Earliness | Use | Yield potential | Suitability for the region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS SKIPPY | Striped | — | IMI | Early to very early | Bird food, oil and biofuel | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| LS Lollipop | Striped | Oleic | — | Early to very early | Bird and human food, oil and biofuel | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| LS SWIFT | Striped | Linoleic | — | Early to very early | Bird food, oil and biofuel | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| L 22-01 S | Striped | Linoleic | — | Very early | Bird food, oil | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| LSL18-02 I | Black | Linoleic | IMI | Early | Crushing | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| L 25-01 IOS | Striped | Oleic | IMI | Early to very early | Bird food, oil and biofuel | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| L 24-01 IS | Striped | Linoleic | IMI | Early | Bird food, oil | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| LS GLOBSUN | Black | Linoleic | — | Early | Crushing | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| L 15-13 OS – BLUEBIRD | Striped | Oleic | — | Early to very early | Bird food, oil and biofuel | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| L 25-02 IOS | Striped | Oleic | — | Early to very early | Bird food, oil and biofuel | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| LS Pickit | Striped | Linoleic | — | Early | Bird food, oil | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| LS Luminal | Black | Linoleic | — | Early | Crushing | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| LS Starly | Striped | Oleic | IMI | Early | Bird food, Oil and Industry | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Risks & watchpoints
Key agronomic watchpoints in this zone:
- Rust: pressure 5/10.
Other adapted crops in this zone
Other regions to grow sunflower
Agronomic summary
The Hauts-de-France region (deep silt loams of Picardy, coastal polders to the north, silty clay soils at pH 7.4) is not historically a sunflower zone — the crop trails behind sugar beet, wheat and potatoes. Yet the 903 growing degree days and long frost-free period (276 days) allow the cultivation of ultra-early varieties such as L 22-01 S and LS Lollipop, which secure a full cycle before autumn weather sets in. Best on the better-exposed lighter soils of the southern part of the region (Soissonnais, Tardenois).
Frequently asked questions
Which sunflower variety is best suited for Hauts-de-France?
The varieties recommended above are pre-selected based on local climate, soil and disease pressure. Top picks combine adapted maturity, yield stability and the specific disease tolerances needed in Hauts-de-France.
When is the best time to sow sunflower in Hauts-de-France?
The favorable sowing window is typically from May to October. Exact timing depends on soil temperature (>10°C at 5 cm), weather forecast and your local agronomist's advice.
What yield can I expect from sunflower in Hauts-de-France?
Yields depend on variety, agronomic management and the season. Under typical Hauts-de-France conditions with good practices, our adapted varieties target stable, competitive commercial yields. Precise ranges are available on request.