Sunflower VELVET QUEEN Heirloom 8? Blooms Birds & Butterflies Non-GMO 100 Seeds, Rustic shades of velvety red, rustic orange or yellow.

• Velvet Queen Sunflower Seeds
• Heirloom Velvet Queen Sunflower Seeds
• The Velvet Queen Sunflower produces huge, beautiful velvety red blooms that are absolutely unforgettable in the garden or a vase. 
• Also, the velvet queen can go in rustic shades of orange, yellow or red.  
• They will also change colors as they continue to mature. 
• This variety can measure up to 8 inches across and will very freely bloom all summer long.
• The Velvet Queen is truly the queen of sunflowers!

PRODUCT INFORMATION

• Annual for full sun. Beautiful 8"-10" (20-25 cm.) velvety crimson blooms on 5'-8' (150-240 cm.) stems.
• Non-genetically engineered seeds.
• Culture: Easy to grow; plants thrive even in poor soil with moderate moisture.
• Sow seed after all danger of frost has passed in a sunny area.
• Deadheading spent blooms prolongs blooming season.
• Flowers are excellent for cutting.
• Boil stems 1 1/2 minutes for lasting arrangements.
• Birds love the seeds (and so will you)!
• Huge blooms (up to 8 inches across!) of richest butterscotch, with a deep orange ring and big black eye!

FAST FACTS

• Genus: Helianthus
• Species: annuus
• Variety: Velvet Queen
• Bloom Start to End: Early Summer - Late Summer
• Habit: Upright
• Plant Height: 4 ft - 5 ft
• Plant Width: 24 in
• Bloom Size: 6 in - 8 in
• Additional Characteristics: Bird Lovers, Easy Care Plants, Flower
• Bloom Color: Multi-Color
• Light Requirements: Full Sun
• Moisture Requirements: Dry, Moist,  well-drained
• Soil Tolerance: Normal,  loamy
• Uses: Cut Flowers, Ornamental, Outdoor

HOW TO GROW SUNFLOWERS

1. Sunflowers are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed. Sunflowers grow wonderfully along a border and are a good option to grow with children.
2. Before Planting: Sunflowers are very tough and can grow in nearly any soil, but prefer full sun.
3. Planting: Sunflower seeds do best when planted directly into the garden after the last frost date has passed. Plant seeds 6 inches apart and 1 inch deep in a shallow trench.
4. Watering: Sunflowers need water the most during their growth period, which is 20 days before and after flowering.
5. Fertilizer: Sunflowers typically do not require fertilizing because they grow so easily, but a slow-release granular fertilizer can be added to poorer soils as the better the soil, the bigger the flowers will grow.
6. Days to Maturity: Sunflowers bloom around 120 days
7. Harvesting: In addition to storing the flowers in a vase to lighten up a room, Sunflower seedlings can be harvested once the flowers are done blooming and have spread their for culinary use.
8. Tips: Do not grow Sunflowers near potatoes or pole beans, as their leaves, seeds and stems emit a substance that inhibits some other plant?s growth

SEED STORING

• Store your seeds in a cool, dry and dark location.
• Most seeds have a long shelf life, but heat and moisture will cut that life short.
• Dedicate a drawer or cabinet to storing your seeds where you can also house your gardening journal close at hand for dreaming, planning and preparing.