Name: Organic 'Lemon Queen' Sunflower Seeds
Brand: Gaia
SKU: GAI-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

Open-pollinated heirloom seeds, ecologically grown; not stated as certified organic Asteraceae

Gaia

Helianthus annuus

From seed to harvest

Common name‘Lemon Queen’ Sunflower

FamilyAsteraceae

GenusHelianthus

Speciesannuus

TypeOpen-pollinated heirloom seeds, ecologically grown; not stated as certified organic

Botanical nameHelianthus annuus

Organic 'Lemon Queen' Sunflower Seeds (Helianthus annuus). This open-pollinated heirloom carries numerous flower heads with bright yellow petals surrounding chocolate-brown centres. Its branching habit provides multiple stems for bouquets and creates a striking presence at the back of borders. Gaia lists 5-to-6-inch flowers, a height of 5 to 9 feet in its table, and approximately 6 to 7 feet in its commercial copy, so final height varies with conditions. The packet contains approximately 15 organic seeds, with no organic certification stated, and germination above 85% for lot GOGOG283. The flowers are particularly attractive to bees. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Grow Lemon Queen in full sun and deep, loose, well-drained soil. Gaia recommends soaking seeds in warm water for no more than 12 hours, then direct sowing at the end of May after frost risk has passed. Place seeds approximately 1/2 inch deep and space plants and rows 12 inches apart. Gaia’s table lists 12 to 18°C while separately giving 23°C as the optimum; because those values conflict, maintain moderate warmth and watch for emergence in the stated 10 to 14 days. Keep soil moist without waterlogging during germination, then water deeply as the surface begins to dry. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated.

Gaia lists maturity at approximately 90 days. Cut flowers as they begin to open for long stems in bouquets. To save seed, leave heads to dry on their stems and protect them from birds and squirrels with a breathable paper bag. Finish drying in a dry, ventilated place, then store seed in an airtight container. Gaia recommends keeping Lemon Queen at least 12 inches from other plants. Kew recognizes Helianthus annuus as an annual in the Asteraceae family, native from the southwestern United States to Mexico and introduced in Québec. Mature, properly dried sunflower seeds are edible, while unopened packets should remain reserved for planting.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Annual

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Approximately 1.25 (13 mm (1/2 in))

Spacing / density

30 cm (12 in) between plants and between rows according to Gaia’s table

Germination temperature

Conflicting Gaia table: range of 12 to 18°C and separate optimum of 23°C; maintain moderate warmth

Germination time

10 to 14 days after optional soaking; the lot lists germination above 85%

Sowing period

Direct sow at the end of May after the last frost and once soil has warmed

Propagation

Direct sowing

Growing method

For 'Lemon Queen' Sunflower, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. If desired, soak seeds in warm water for no more than 12 hours, then direct sow at the end of May after the last frost. Sow 1/2 inch deep and space plants and rows 12 inches apart. Approximately 1/2 in (1.25 cm) Conflicting Gaia table: range of 12 to 18°C and separate optimum of 23°C; maintain moderate warmth 10 to 14 days after optional soaking; the lot lists germination above 85% Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during germination. Once established, water deeply when the surface begins to dry instead of applying small amounts frequently. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Soil type

Deep, loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid constantly waterlogged soil and choose a site where the long taproot can develop. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Seasonal care

For ‘Lemon Queen’ Sunflower, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. If desired, soak seeds in warm water for no more than 12 hours, then direct sow at the end of May after the last frost. Sow 1/2 inch deep and space plants and rows 12 inches apart. Approximately 1/2 in (1.25 cm) Conflicting Gaia table: range of 12 to 18°C and separate optimum of 23°C; maintain moderate warmth 10 to 14 days after optional soaking; the lot lists germination above 85% Cut flowers as they begin to open for bouquets. To harvest seed, wait until heads dry on their stems and protect them with a breathable paper bag. Bush Beans, Squash, Cucumber, Corn, Lettuce, Any Plant With Aphids. The packet contains Approximately 15 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Growing ‘Lemon Queen’ Sunflower in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. 10 to 15 L per plant with free drainage. Match the container to the plant's development and provide free drainage from planting onward. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

1.5 to 2.7 m (5 to 9 ft) (152 to 274 cm (60 to 108 in)) in Gaia’s table; the commercial copy mentions 1.8 to 2.1 m (6 to 7 ft)

Width / spread

46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in)

Flower color

Bright yellow petals with chocolate-brown centres

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Herbaceous

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright, tall, and sturdy

Harvest

Cut flowers as they begin to open for bouquets. For seeds, let heads dry on the plant, protect them with a breathable paper bag, then finish drying in a ventilated place.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Gaia suggests bush beans, squash, cucumber, corn, lettuce, and plants carrying aphids. However, maintain at least 12 inches between Lemon Queen and other plants as stated on the packet. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Plants to avoid

Gaia advises against growing potato nearby.

Garden use

In the garden, place ‘Lemon Queen’ Sunflower according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Cut flowers as they begin to open for bouquets. To harvest seed, wait until heads dry on their stems and protect them with a breathable paper bag. Bush Beans, Squash, Cucumber, Corn, Lettuce, Any Plant With Aphids. The packet contains Approximately 15 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Lemon Queen' Sunflower seeds are in the packet?

For ‘Lemon Queen’ Sunflower, the packet information states: Approximately 15 seeds · lot GOGOG283 · germination >85%. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start 'Lemon Queen' Sunflower seeds in Canada?

For 'Lemon Queen' Sunflower, the stated sowing period is Direct sow at the end of May after the last frost and once soil has warmed. The recommended method is Direct sowing, at a depth of Approximately 1.25 (13 mm (1/2 in)). Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Lemon Queen' Sunflower seeds take to germinate?

For 'Lemon Queen' Sunflower, the stated germination period is 10 to 14 days after optional soaking; the lot lists germination above 85%, with a germination temperature of Conflicting Gaia table: range of 12 to 18°C and separate optimum of 23°C; maintain moderate warmth. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow 'Lemon Queen' Sunflower in the garden?

For ‘Lemon Queen’ Sunflower, the recommended exposure is Full sun. The stated spacing guideline is 30 cm (12 in) between plants and between rows according to Gaia’s table. For container growing, the product record recommends: 10 to 15 L per plant with free drainage. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

When and how should I harvest 'Lemon Queen' Sunflower?

For ‘Lemon Queen’ Sunflower, the confirmed edible parts are: Mature seeds that are fully dried and properly cleaned. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.