50+ Velvet Queen Sunflower Seeds-Helianthus annuus-FL326- Blooming Annual!

This variety looks its best when contrasted with some bright yellow sunflowers in a border or raised bed

Velvet Queen are Rich copper red petals highlighted with golden yellow around a nearly black central disc. Plant Velvet Queen sunflower seeds for 1.5m (5') tall plants with simply gorgeous blooms around 13cm (5") wide. . Be sure the soil is warm at planting time, and freely draining throughout the season. Velvet Queen is an early flowering type, so try planting at two to three week intervals instead of all at once. The bloom period will be longer this way, and the flowers are just right for cutting and bringing indoors.

Direct sow repeatedly after the last frost date. Starting indoors is possible, but does not gain much time. If sunflowers are allowed to get root-bound, they will lack stability at transplant time, and will require staking. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 21-30°C (70-85°F). Seeds should sprout in 10-15 days.

Sow seeds 5mm-1cm  (¼-½”) deep. Space dwarf varieties 15cm (6″) apart, but give the giants lots of room at 1m (3′) between plants.

Growing

To grow really big plants with really big flowers, enrich the soil with organic matter and incorporate 2 cups of balanced organic fertilizer per 3m (10′) of row, and irrigate regularly. When the plants are 30cm (12) tall, dissolve 5ml (1 tsp) of borax (for boron) in 350 ml (12 fl oz) of water and spread the solution over 5m (15′) of row. Be careful not to over-apply this solution. This application of boron will produce bigger seeds and flower heads. Do not apply boron to other garden plants. When the back of the flower head turns yellow, it is ready to be cut from the plant.

Height: 1.5m (5')

Season: Annual

USDA Zones: 1 - 10

Bloom Season: Summer to fall

Bloom Color: Rich Cooper

Environment: Full sun

Soil Type: Moist, fertile, pH 5.5 - 7.5

Temperature: 70 - 85F (21-30 C)

Average Germ Time: 10 - 15 days on non-dormant seed

Light Required: No

Depth: 1/2 inch

Moisture: Keep seed slightly moist but not wet

Plant Spacing: 24 inches