Velvet Queen Sunflower 100 Seeds Helianthus annuus

Helianthus annuus ‘Velvet Queen’, commonly known as the Velvet Queen sunflower, is an heirloom cultivar celebrated for its dramatic, velvety petals in rich tones of mahogany, copper, burnt orange, and deep red—colors far darker than those of typical yellow sunflowers. This annual grows quickly to a height of about 5–7 feet, producing multiple branching stems topped with 6–8 inch blooms that exhibit a warm, earthy glow in sunlight. The centers are usually dark chocolate to nearly black, forming a vivid contrast that enhances the flower’s intense, jewel-like appearance. Like other sunflowers, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring consistent moisture during early growth but showing good drought tolerance once established. Its nectar and pollen attract a wide variety of pollinators, while the developing seeds provide valuable food for birds, especially finches, toward the end of the season. Velvet Queen is popular in ornamental borders, cottage gardens, and cut-flower arrangements, valued both for its bold presence and its long vase life. As a fast-growing, easy-to-start plant—either directly sown after frost or transplanted from seedlings—it offers gardeners a dramatic, late-summer to early-fall display with a uniquely warm, moody color palette that complements both bright and subdued garden schemes.