SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Velvet Queen

Family: Asteraceae Oilseed and ornamental annual
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Velvet Queen to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Velvet Queen blooms with a truly velvety presence—sun-warmed petals in rich golden tones that seem to glow from within, framed by a deep, dark center that reads almost ink-black at a distance.

The flower heads are bold and well-proportioned, with a lush, full texture that holds its beauty through the season and invites pollinators to linger. Grow Velvet Queen for striking, long-lasting color in the garden beds and borders, and enjoy the steady parade of blooms from early summer into fall.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Velvet Queen

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsDirect Sow
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 25th
Harvest BeginsJul 4th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)55
Min Night Temp (°F)40
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Helianthus annuus (sunflower ‘Velvet Queen’) leaves turning yellow or developing spots, and what should I do?
Look for fungal leaf spots (dark brown/gray spots with yellowing) and treat early with better airflow: thin crowded plants and water at the soil line, not the leaves. If new spots keep spreading, spray a labeled fungicide for edible/non-edible sunflowers per the product directions, especially during humid stretches.
How often should I water Helianthus annuus during the main growing phase?
During active growth (after emergence until heads form), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist, then water deeply when it starts to dry out at that depth. Aim for roughly 1 inch of water per week as a baseline, increasing during hot spells; sunflowers tolerate brief dryness but consistently wet soil encourages disease.
How can I tell when Helianthus annuus (‘Velvet Queen’) is ready to harvest at about 70 days?
Harvest when the back of the flower head turns yellow to deep brown and the bracts (the small leaf-like parts around the head) loosen. The seeds should look plump and filled; cut the stems and let the heads dry in a warm, airy spot until fully dry before removing seeds.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Velvet Queen in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 55°F before transplanting Velvet Queen.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Velvet Queen.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Velvet Queen in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 55°F before transplanting Velvet Queen.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Velvet Queen.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 55°F and nights stay above 40°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Sow in place after frost or when soil is warm, keep moisture steady until seedlings establish, and thin to the strongest plants for best bloom.