This paper discusses the influence of independent variables in the pulping of sunflower stalks [viz.the effects that the alkali concentration (5~15%), anthraquinone concentration (0~0.1%), temperature (125 ~ 175℃), time (30~90 min), and the liquid/solid ratio (4~8) have on the yield, holocellulose content, lignin content, and kappa number of the resulting pulp]. By using a central composite factorial design, equations relating each dependent variable to the different independent variables were derived; they reproduced the experimental results for the dependent variables with errors less than 15%. The Kappa number values were reproduced with errors less than 19%. This study confirms the feasibility of applying a soda-anthraquinone pulping process to sunflower stalks. Using a short time, a low liquid/solid ratio, a high temperature and anthraquinone concentration, and a medium-to-high alkali concentration (13.9%), we obtained values for holocellulose, lignin, and kappa number that differ by less than 13.7, 14.9, and 20.1%, respectively, from the optimum values (viz. 97.8%, 3.9%, and 14.9, respectively). However, the yield is 36.1% lower than the optimum value (68.7%). These conditions provide a pulp having acceptable properties. According to the results, paper sheets can be obtained that have characteristics similar to those obtained using similar alternative raw materials, and considerable savings should occur on operating costs.