Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an annual oilseed crop primarily grown for its edible oil and fruits in temperate and subtropical climates worldwide. Its oil is somewhat superior to other vegetable oils due to the greater proportion of the unsaturated fatty acids and the content of bioactive compounds (e.g. tocopherols and phytosterols). Here, we update the knowledge about sunflower crop physiology in the context of climate change with focus on (i) the main factors affecting growth and phenology, (ii) the capture and efficiency use of radiation, water and nutrients, iii) how grain number (GN) and grain weight are defined to conform the crop yield and iv) how grain and oil quality are elaborated. All these traits are analysed considering the genetic potential of the crop and how crop management practices can modulate them (by affecting environmental factors).