Sunflower

A sunflower seed yields about 40% oil and 60% oilseed meal. It is sown in April and harvested in early fall. Thanks to its adaptability and undemanding nature, the sunflower requires little water, fertilizer, or treatment. Its powerful root system allows it to draw the nutrients it needs from deep within the soil. Its roots also promote good soil drainage. The sunflower is a nectar-producing plant for pollinating insects, particularly bees. Selecting the right variety and careful planting are necessary for a successful crop.

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  • Hauts-de-France
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  • Grand Est
  • Hauts-de-France
  • Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
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Area in France (2024)
754,938

hectares in France

Yield (2024)
20.3

national average yield

High-oleic sunflower
85%

of domestic production (2023)

Production
1.4 MB

of seeds produced (2024)

Top producer

A sunflower seed yields about 40% oil and 60% oilcake

Not very demanding

Sunflowers require very little water, fertilizer, or pesticides 

Adapted to climate change

Its strong root system allows it to draw the nutrients it needs from deep within the soil

Beneficial for everyone

Improves soil drainage and attracts pollinating insects 

Our growing guides

These guides provide comprehensive information on growing sunflowers: from selecting varieties to harvesting and storage, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, and weed control. They also offer updated advice on controlling pests and diseases that affect sunflowers. 

Tools

Check out our decision-making tools to help you throughout your campaign

Varietal choice

Consult and choose your oilseed and protein crop varieties.
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19 may 2026
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Training

Build your skills with the Tournesol training courses designed and led by Terres Inovia experts

Hybride
4 Jours
Inter-company and intra-company

Try incorporating cutlery into your farming systems

No-till farming under cover crops (SDCV) involves eliminating tillage and establishing permanent…

Sur devis

Hybride
2 Jours
Inter-entreprise et intra-entreprise

Mastering Sunflower Cultivation

As a sustainable and competitive crop that provides ecosystem benefits, sunflowers require the…

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A distance
5 Jours
Inter-entreprise et intra-entreprise

Production of edible oil through a short supply chain

Would you like to produce and sell your own olive oil through direct-to-consumer channels? This…

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Présentiel
2 Jours
Inter-company and intra-company

Optimization of the crushing and mechanical extraction of oil- and protein-rich seeds

Deepen your understanding of crushing processes and mechanical extraction of oil- and protein…

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Publications

To assist you, Terres Inovia offers several technical publications on sunflowers

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Products and Services

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