Sunflower Seeds - Lemon Queen
(Helianthus annuus) Annual. 90 days to maturity.
This soft yellow sunflower grows to 6 feet and produces many flowering branches. Each flower is about 6 inches in diameter. Their unique light lemon colour & strong stems make them ideal candidates for fresh arrangements.
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Growth Habit: Upright growth to 6-8 feet height; flowering side branches surround the main stem; flowers 6-8” diameter.
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Fertile, well-drained soil
When to Plant: Direct seed after last frost OR start indoors 2-3 weeks before last frost date. *If direct seeding, watch for slugs. They LOVE sunflower sprouts.
How to Plant:
Direct sow: sow seeds ½” deep, cover with soil and water well; 14-18 days to germination; thin young plants to 2-3 feet apart.
Transplant: sow seeds indoors ½” deep in individual pots or divided trays; transplant seedlings outdoors after last frost, spacing them 2-3 feet apart.
When to Harvest: Flowers are ready to harvest when the back of the flower head turns yellow.
How to Harvest: Cut flowering branches from the central stem.
Uses: Lemon Queen is a beautiful cut flower. Sunflower petals are edible and make beautiful additions to salads, sauces and desserts. Dried petals can also be used in homemade body care products, such as soap and bath salts.
