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

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Organic open-pollinated heirloom seeds Asteraceae

Gaia

Helianthus annuus

From seed to harvest

Common name‘Velvet Queen’ Sunflower

FamilyAsteraceae

GenusHelianthus

Speciesannuus

TypeOrganic open-pollinated heirloom seeds

Botanical nameHelianthus annuus

Organic 'Velvet Queen' Sunflower Seeds (Helianthus annuus). This open-pollinated heirloom produces velvety crimson flowers approximately 5 to 6 inches across. Their deep colour creates a striking focal point in garden beds and bouquets. Gaia lists a height of 4 to 7 feet in its technical table, while its commercial copy mentions approximately 5 feet, so final height varies with conditions. The packet contains approximately 10 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada, with germination above 85% for lot GO22001. The flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, and the dried heads can provide seed for birds. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Grow Velvet 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, space plants 12 inches apart and rows 24 inches apart. Germination generally takes 10 to 14 days between 21 and 28°C, with an optimum of 23°C. Maintain even moisture during emergence, then water deeply when the soil surface begins to dry. Avoid crowding so the tall stems receive good light and air circulation. 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 100 days. Cut flowers as they begin to open for long stems in bouquets. For seed harvest, 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 fully dried seeds in an airtight container. Gaia recommends keeping this sunflower 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.

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; 61 cm (24 in) between rows

Germination temperature

21 to 28°C; listed optimum of 23°C

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 'Velvet 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 frost risk has passed. Sow 1/2 inch deep, space plants 12 inches apart and rows 24 inches apart. Approximately 1/2 in (1.25 cm) 21 to 28°C; listed optimum of 23°C 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 ‘Velvet 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 frost risk has passed. Sow 1/2 inch deep, space plants 12 inches apart and rows 24 inches apart. Approximately 1/2 in (1.25 cm) 21 to 28°C; listed optimum of 23°C 10 to 14 days after optional soaking; the lot lists germination above 85% Cut flowers as they begin to open for bouquets. For seed harvest, wait until heads dry on their stems and protect them from birds and squirrels with a breathable paper bag. Bush Beans, Squash, Cucumber, Corn, Lettuce, Any Plant With Aphids. The packet contains Approximately 10 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 ‘Velvet 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

1.2 to 2.1 m (4 to 7 ft) (122 to 213 cm (48 to 84 in)) in Gaia’s table; the commercial copy mentions approximately 1.5 m (5 ft)

Width / spread

46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in)

Flower color

Deep crimson to burgundy red with a velvety appearance

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 Velvet 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 ‘Velvet Queen’ Sunflower according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Cut flowers as they begin to open for bouquets. For seed harvest, wait until heads dry on their stems and protect them from birds and squirrels with a breathable paper bag. Bush Beans, Squash, Cucumber, Corn, Lettuce, Any Plant With Aphids. The packet contains Approximately 10 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 'Velvet Queen' Sunflower seeds are in the packet?

For ‘Velvet Queen’ Sunflower, the packet information states: Approximately 10 seeds · lot GO22001 · 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 'Velvet Queen' Sunflower seeds in Canada?

For 'Velvet 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 'Velvet Queen' Sunflower seeds take to germinate?

For 'Velvet 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 21 to 28°C; listed optimum of 23°C. 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 'Velvet Queen' Sunflower in the garden?

For ‘Velvet Queen’ Sunflower, the recommended exposure is Full sun. The stated spacing guideline is 30 cm (12 in) between plants; 61 cm (24 in) between rows. 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 'Velvet Queen' Sunflower?

For ‘Velvet 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.