How to Grow Velvet Queen
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Velvet Queen
Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen'
flowerVelvet Queen is a stunning annual sunflower cultivar featuring deep burgundy-red petals with dark centers, reaching 5-6 feet tall. Its rich coloring and dramatic appearance make it popular for cut flowers and garden focal points. Despite its name, the petals have a velvety appearance rather than actual velvet texture.
When should you plant Velvet Queen in your zone?
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Example Velvet Queen timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Velvet Queen
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Velvet Queen blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Velvet Queen dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in all zones; best in zones 3-10
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Seedling
2-3 weeksEmergence of first true leaves after germination; plant is 2-4 inches tall with cotyledons and developing foliage.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings if necessary. Provide bright light if starting indoors.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksRapid stem and leaf growth; plant reaches 12-24 inches with multiple true leaves and sturdy main stem forming.
Stake or support if in windy location. Water regularly but allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Remove any dead leaves.
Budding
2-3 weeksLarge flower bud forms at the top of the main stem and side branches; plant reaches full height of 5-6 feet.
Continue staking for tall varieties. Water deeply and regularly. Apply balanced fertilizer or phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage blooming.
Flowering
2-4 weeksDeep burgundy-red petals unfold, revealing dark center disk. Blooms are 4-6 inches in diameter with striking velvety appearance.
Continue watering at soil level to avoid wetting flowers. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms if desired. Monitor for pests.
Seed Maturation
3-4 weeksPetals fall away; center disk darkens and seeds develop. Seed head becomes heavy and droops naturally.
Stop fertilizing. Allow seeds to mature on plant for wildlife or seed saving. Reduce watering frequency.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles; use neem oil spray; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil or miticide if severe
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Create physical barriers around seedlings; remove debris; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
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and
Use bird netting over developing seeds; install scarecrows; provide alternative food sources away from plants
Uses
Sunflower seeds
CulinaryMature seeds are edible and nutritious, containing protein, healthy fats, and minerals. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or used in baking. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftThe striking deep red blooms are prized for fresh floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, and dramatic garden displays. Their longevity in water makes them excellent for cutting. [source]
Pollinator and seed food source
WildlifeSunflowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to their nectar and pollen. Mature seed heads feed finches, chickadees, and other wildlife. [source]
Natural dye
HouseholdThe petals and seeds can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and crafts, producing shades of red, brown, and yellow. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalSunflower petals and seeds have been used in traditional herbal medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, harvest in the morning when dew is still present by cutting stems at a 45-degree angle just below the flower head. Stems typically last 8-12 days in a vase. For seeds, wait until the back of the flower head turns brown and seeds are loose, usually 30-40 days after flowering begins. Cut the entire seed head and hang upside down in a warm, dry location to finish drying.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sunflowers exhibit heliotropism when young, meaning they track the sun's movement across the sky during the day, with flower buds typically facing east in the morning and following the sun westward. Mature flowers usually face east to warm themselves and attract pollinators.
- 🌱 Velvet Queen sunflowers can produce multiple blooms per plant if side shoots are allowed to develop, creating a bushier appearance with numerous smaller flowers rather than one giant bloom.
- 🌱 Sunflowers are phytoremediation plants that can absorb toxins from soil, and they were notably planted in areas around Chernobyl to help clean radioactive contamination.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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