AbstractPlanting date studies were conducted on sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) from 1969 through 1971 at Experiment, Ga. to evaluate the optimum time of planting on seed yield, oil percentage, oil composition, and other plant characteristics. Seeds of ‘Peredovik’ and ‘Krasnodarets’ varieties were planted at each date ranging from March 11 to July, 22.Highest seed yields and oil percentage of seeds were produced when sunflowers were planted from mid‐March through April. Fatty acid composition of seed oil varied considerably among planting dates within years as well as among similar planting dates between years. Other sunflower characteristics were not greatly affected except at the June or July plantings.