Organic 'Lemon Queen' Sunflower
Organic 'Lemon Queen' sunflower (Helianthus annuus) from the seed company Gaia, a bright and nectar-rich flowering plant with lemony tones
The 'Lemon Queen' sunflower is a majestic heirloom variety, prized for its bright yellow petals surrounding a chocolate-brown center. Reaching an impressive height of 1.5 to 2.1 m (6 to 7 ft) and boasting numerous branches, each producing a single flower, it makes a spectacular addition to the garden and is also highly valued as a cut flower. Its long and abundant flowering period strongly attracts pollinators, especially bees, making it a valuable asset for ecological gardens and landscaping that promotes biodiversity.
Organic 'Lemon Queen' sunflower (Helianthus annuus) from the seed company Gaia, a bright and nectar-rich flowering plant with lemony tones
The 'Lemon Queen' sunflower is a majestic heirloom variety, prized for its bright yellow petals surrounding a chocolate-brown center. Reaching an impressive height of 1.5 to 2.1 m (6 to 7 ft) and boasting numerous branches, each producing a single flower, it makes a spectacular addition to the garden and is also highly valued as a cut flower. Its long and abundant flowering period strongly attracts pollinators, especially bees, making it a valuable asset for ecological gardens and landscaping that promotes biodiversity.
Its vigorous growth habit, heat tolerance, and ease of cultivation make it a variety perfectly suited to home gardens. Like all sunflowers, it slows the growth of plants growing too close together: it is recommended to give it a clear space of at least 30 cm around it.
Companion plants : Bush beans, squash, cucumber, corn, lettuce, plants susceptible to aphids (trap plants)
Enemy plants : Potato
Spread/Habit : Very branched, upright habit
Plant height : 150 to 275 cm (60 to 108")
Quantity per packet : 15 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Edible flowers, edible leaves, strongly attracts pollinators, excellent cut flower
Farming method
To improve germination, soak the seeds in warm water for up to 12 hours. Sow directly outdoors in late May, 1.2 cm (1/2") deep. Space plants 30 cm (12") apart and rows 30 cm (12") apart. Place in full sun (sun level 3) with generous but regular watering (watering level 3).
Germination occurs in 10 to 14 days at temperatures of 12 to 18 °C, reaching its optimum around 23 °C. Maturity occurs in approximately 90 days, resulting in abundant and long-lasting flowering.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the seeds when the flower heads are completely dry on their stems. To protect them from birds and squirrels, wrap the head in a brown paper bag as soon as the seeds begin to ripen. The flowers can also be harvested for cut flowers, where their vibrant color makes them beautiful additions to bouquets.
The petals and young leaves are edible and can be used as a culinary garnish.
Usage ideas
• Perfect for creating a tall and luminous green curtain
• Ideal for the production of long-lasting cut flowers
• Excellent plant for attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
• Perfect for ecological and naturalistic flowerbeds
• Grows harmoniously in biodynamic vegetable gardens
The 'Lemon Queen' sunflower brightens the garden with its lemony hues, attracts a host of pollinators, and offers a majestic bloom. A must-have variety for gardens seeking height, light, and vibrancy.