SUNFLOWER Seeds, Velvet Queen

Velvet Queen (Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen') is a branching heirloom sunflower with deep, velvety burgundy and mahogany blooms around a dark center. A tall, dramatic variety that is excellent for cutting and pollinators.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen'
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated annual sunflower
• Days to maturity: about 65 days to bloom
• Bloom size: up to about 10 inches across
• Sun: Full sun
• Spacing: 12 to 18 inches apart
• Planting depth: 1 inch
• Mature height: about 5 to 8 feet

Best for

• Cut-flower bouquets
• Dramatic garden backdrops
• Attracting bees and butterflies
• Feeding birds with seed heads
• Adding rich, dark color to borders

How to grow

Direct sow 1 inch deep in full sun after the last frost, in well-drained soil. Thin seedlings to give the tall, branching plants room. Water regularly while young and during flowering, and shelter from strong wind. The multi-branching stems bloom from mid-summer into fall; cut often for more flowers.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms specializes in non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom seeds chosen for reliability and beauty, so you can grow proven varieties and save seed season after season.

Sold by 99Heirlooms.com, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota.