VELVET QUEEN SUNFLOWER SEEDS FOR PLANTING: HOME GROWN Velvet Queen (Helianthus annuus) includes 200 heirloom, non-GMO seeds (5g). Tall plants produce dramatic russet-red and burgundy blooms with dark centers for cutting gardens, borders, and pollinator plantings. RICH RUSSET RED AND BURGUNDY BLOOMS: Velvet Queen produces approximately 5 in. flowers with russet-red to burgundy petals surrounding dark purple-brown centers. The distinctive jewel-toned color brings dramatic contrast to cottage gardens, cutting gardens, and summer borders. TALL ANNUAL REACHING 5 TO 8 FEET: Upright plants grow approximately 5–8 ft. tall, adding strong vertical structure to back borders, mass plantings, and seasonal displays. Stake plants in windy or exposed locations for additional support. GERMINATES IN 7 TO 14 DAYS: Direct sow after the last frost when conditions have warmed. Seeds germinate in approximately 7–14 days at 70–85°F. Plant 1–1.5 in. deep and space 12–18 in. apart in well-drained soil. ATTRACTS BEES AND NATIVE POLLINATORS: Pollen-rich Velvet Queen blooms attract honey bees, bumblebees, sweat bees, long-horned bees, and other native bees throughout the summer, making this sunflower a colorful addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. EXCELLENT FOR CUT FLOWER GARDENS: Tall stems and deep red blooms make Velvet Queen a striking cut flower for mixed bouquets and seasonal arrangements. Grow alongside contrasting flowers or plant in dedicated cutting rows for dramatic summer harvests. HEIRLOOM, OPEN-POLLINATED, NON-GMO SEEDS: HOME GROWN Velvet Queen Sunflower Seeds are heirloom, open-pollinated, and non-GMO. Grow this distinctive Helianthus annuus variety for bold summer color, cut flowers, pollinator plantings, and cottage-style gardens. HEAT AND DROUGHT TOLERANT ONCE ESTABLISHED: Velvet Queen thrives in full sun and tolerates dry to moderate soil conditions once established. This heat-loving annual performs across USDA zones 2–11 but is frost sensitive, so plant after frost danger has passed. FULL SUN FLOWER FOR TALL BORDER IMPACT: Grow Velvet Queen in a location receiving full sun for strong growth and flowering. Its 5–8 ft. height makes it especially suited to back borders, cottage gardens, mass plantings, and other landscapes needing vertical summer color. DIRECT SOW FOR BEST RESULTS: Sunflowers dislike root disturbance, so direct sowing outdoors after the last frost is recommended. Choose well-drained soil, provide moderate water while plants establish, and support tall stems where strong winds are common.
