{"product_id":"sunflower-seeds-velvet-queen-organic","title":"Sunflower Seeds - Velvet Queen (Organic)","description":"\u003cp\u003e90-110 Days to maturity. \u003cem\u003eHelianthus annuus\u003c\/em\u003e. Organic Velvet Queen Sunflower Seeds: Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Organic. Ornamental. Annual. Heirloom. Velvet Queen seeds grow one of the summer's most exclusive and rare blooms, exceptional branching sunflowers with hypnotic 8-inch heads of smoky blood-orange mahogany petals around a heavily black-seeded center. Velvet Queen sunflowers are grown for their rich, warm sunset-colored petals, which can invigorate any garden or fresh-cut seasonal arrangements. Velvet Queen seeds boast several heads per plant and can be harvested for growing next spring. Velvet Queen sunflower seeds are an ideal crop for bird enthusiasts because the countless seeds per head will keep birds well-fed and coming back for more all season long. ~1,700 seeds\/oz.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--split--\u003e\n\u003c!--attr--\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLatin Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cem\u003eHelianthus annuus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annual; Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e90-110\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Germination:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7-14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeeding Depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.5 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Spacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10-12 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRow Spacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-48 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e60-72 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003eUpright branching stalk with a large, semi-double bloom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003eAverage, loamy, well-drained.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50-85 F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full Sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePests and Diseases:\u003c\/strong\u003eMonitor regularly for foliage-eating beetles and caterpillars.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVelvet Queen Sunflower Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoky blood-orange mahogany petals around a black-seed center and deep green foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy\/Hard:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDirect Sow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes Direct Sow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStart Indoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, 3-4 weeks before transplanting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!--endattr--\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Organic Non-GMO Velvet Queen Sunflower Flower Seeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVelvet Queen sunflower seeds are recommended exclusively for outdoor growth because of their 60+ inch height. Plants grow so vigorously that there is little reason to start seeds indoors. Sow Velvet Queen seeds directly after the final frost in a sunny spot at the north end of the garden and sheltered from strong winds. Always plant tall sunflowers at the north end of a garden because it will not take long for a garden to be cast in a season-long shadow if not properly planned. However, for early spring blooming, start Velvet Queen seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Harden off before transplantation. Velvet Queen seeds will take 1-2 weeks for germination. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic Velvet Queen sunflowers may need staking if plants are grown isolated and away from the support of a garden. Plant 2-3 Velvet Queen sunflower seeds 1 inch deep and 8 inches apart in average, loamy, and well-drained soil in full sun. Adjust staking and wind protection as plants mature. Velvet Queen sunflowers are vigorous garden performers and require minimal care. Trim back branches to shape and keep Velvet Queen sunflowers from becoming weedy and invasive. Velvet Queen sunflowers can handle mild drought, but for the biggest, brightest blooms, water whenever the soil is fully dried. Fertilizer is optional in good garden soil. Always follow package instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrganic Velvet Queen Sunflower in the Flower Garden\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Use Organic Velvet Queen sunflowers in your annual garden as a backdrop or a border. They equally succeed when cultivated in rows, blocks, singles, or scattered in a field. Velvet Queen sunflowers fit into cottage, native, cut, prairie, and meadow flower gardens. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHarvesting Organic Velvet Queen Sunflower\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo collect the seeds, wait until the petals have faded, and then use a mesh bag such as a seed collecting bag: place the mesh bag over the flowerhead and secure it on the stem, so critters can’t crawl inside. Over the next 3-4 weeks, the seeds will fully ripen and then release into the bag. When the flowerhead has shed its seeds, remove the bag and use the seeds for snacks, gifts, or next year’s crop!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor cut flowers: while in full bloom, snip off the stem with sharp scissors. Store in cool, clean water and change it daily for optimal longevity. Optionally, tie a few stems together with a rubber band and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated but sheltered location for dried flowers in 2-3 weeks!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Organic Velvet Queen Sunflower Garden Seeds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowerheads will follow the sun throughout the day when young and invite a plethora of pollinators to the area throughout their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVelvet Queen is gorgeous, but has more uses than just beauty. The leaves can be fed to cattle, and the stem fiber can be used to make paper. The dried stems can also be a substitute for firewood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunflowers are natives of North America’s western prairies, plains, and meadows, including the temperate regions of Canada and Mexico. Many Native American tribes would traditionally plant sunflowers as the supportive \"4th sister\" to their other \"3 sisters\" staple crops (beans, corn, and squash).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStories From Our Gardeners\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"These unique and deeply colored flowers are a must-have this season for the optimal utility and beauty of everyone’s garden! \"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.7517%;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\" height=\"89\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2016\/2681\/files\/Lara-Wadsworth.jpg?v=1656702669\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" width=\"89\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 75.2483%;\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrganic Velvet Queen Sunflower Seeds Per Package:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 g Packet - Approximately 120 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 1,700 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 6,800 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 27,200 Seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNon-GMO Velvet Queen Sunflower seeds are available for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueleafmarket.com\/pages\/shipping-information\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFast Free Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e on qualifying orders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--split--\u003e","brand":"Sustainable Seed Company","offers":[{"title":"4 g Packet","offer_id":44924267200627,"sku":"83553","price":3.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 oz","offer_id":44924267233395,"sku":"50559","price":9.18,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 oz","offer_id":44924267266163,"sku":"83554","price":21.34,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 lb","offer_id":44924267298931,"sku":"83555","price":63.09,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2016\/2681\/files\/1774552181_sunflower_velvet_queen_organic_comp_367c5314-cce8-4f5b-9b92-31d1441f90f4.jpg?v=1778025967","url":"https:\/\/store.trueleafmarket.com\/products\/sunflower-seeds-velvet-queen-organic","provider":"True Leaf Market","version":"1.0","type":"link"}