Description
Velvet Queen Sunflower Seeds 6160.
Rich, Dark Velvety Burgundy Blooms with Golden Accents on Tall Branching Stems.
Velvet Queen Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a dramatic open-pollinated variety celebrated for its rich, deep crimson and velvety burgundy petals. Subtle traces of warm golden yellow dance around a dark central core, giving each flower a captivating halo effect. Reaching an impressive garden height of 1.8 m, these free-branching plants yield a continuous abundance of blooms on sturdy stems, making Velvet Queen an magnificent backdrop in sunny borders and a stunning addition to rustic late-summer floral arrangements.
Quick Seed Details
-
Product Code: 6160
-
Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus ‘Velvet Queen’
-
Type: Open-Pollinated Branching Annual
-
Height: 1.8 m
-
Plant Spacing: 30–45 cm
-
Light Requirement: Full Sun
-
Soil Preference: Rich, well-drained soil
-
Germination: 5–10 days at 21°C
-
Seed Depth: 6–12 mm deep
-
Seed Count: Approx. 35 seeds per packet (35 seeds per gram)
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Velvet Queen Sunflower is easy to cultivate by direct sowing into warm outdoor soil or starting early in peat pots.
-
Outdoor Direct Sowing (Recommended): Direct sow seeds outdoors in late May once soil has warmed thoroughly. Choose a full-sun site with well-draining soil. Sow seeds 6 to 12 mm deep and 7.5 to 10 cm apart. Thin or transplant seedlings to 30 to 45 cm apart to give branching stems adequate room to mature.
-
Indoor Sowing: For an earlier start, sow seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before the last expected spring frost using plantable peat pots or Jiffy 7s to prevent root shock during transplanting. Maintain a temperature of 21°C for the 5 to 10 day germination period. Harden off seedlings carefully before transplanting out to a full-sun location.
-
Garden Care & Nutrition: Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Feed plants twice during the season with a granular 15-5-15 fertilizer (or equivalent balanced plant food) to support strong stem development and heavy flower production.
Why Velvet Queen Sunflower Seeds belong in Your Garden
If you want deep, dramatic burgundy tones that offer a rich contrast to traditional yellow sunflowers, Velvet Queen is an essential selection. Its tall branching habit, high flower yield, and striking velvety petals make it a timeless heirloom favourite for Canadian cut gardens and flower beds.
