Velvet Queen

Sunflower

70d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 25th
Harvest Begins	Aug 3rd
Harvest Ends	Aug 29th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
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.