Growing Velvet Queen Sunflower Garden Seeds

Velvet Queen sunflowers grow so vigorously that there is little reason to start seeds indoors. Sow Velvet Queen seeds directly after final frost in a sunny spot at the north end of the garden and shelter from strong winds. Sunflowers may need staking if grown isolated and away from the support of a full garden. Velvet Queen seeds will take 7-14 days for germination.

Plant 2-3 Velvet Queen sunflower seeds ½" deep 10 - 12" apart in average, light, loamy, and well-drained soil in full sun. Always plant tall variety sunflowers at the north end of a garden because it will not take long for it to overshadow a poorly planned garden. Adjust staking and wind protection as Velvet Queen sunflower matures. Monitor regularly for foliage-eating beetles and caterpillars. Velvet Queen sunflower seeds are quick to mature at 90 - 110 days as 60-72" tall branching uprights with 10" wide spreads and one 8" head of smokey blood-orange mahogany petals around a black seeded center.

A beautiful change from all the golds and yellows of the other sunflowers, these crimson petals will delight and enrich the colors of your garden!

Growing up to 6" tall, these 6" blooms will be a feast for your eyes and the goldfinches tummies from eating the yummy seeds!

A common misconception about flowering Helianthus annuus heads is that they track the sun across the sky. Immature sunflower buds will exhibit this tendency, while mature heads are fixed throughout the day, generally facing an eastern direction. The leaves and foliage, however, will lean towards the sun for full light advantage.