Sunflower, Lemon Queen

Lemon Queen sunflowers produce soft, pale yellow blooms (not bright yellow) with a delicate, elegant look perfect for cutting. The multi-branching plants produce dozens of 5-6 inch flowers all season long.

Sunflower: Iconic summer annuals (Helianthus annuus) that produce dramatic, sun-tracking flowers and nutrient-dense seeds, making them a stunning feature for edible landscapes and attracting birds and wildlife. Giant varieties reach 8-12 feet with dinner-plate-sized blooms, while branching types offer multiple smaller flowers perfect for cutting. Dwarf cultivars are suitable for containers, and pollen-free types are excellent for a 6-10 day vase life. Seeds are rich in healthy fats and protein.

• Growing Tips: Transplant carefully 1-2 weeks after last frost, spacing 12-24 inches apart depending on variety; handle roots gently as they are sensitive to disturbance.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun (6-8 hours minimum).

• Preferred Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates poor soil and moderate drought once established.

• Harvest Details: Cut flowers at petal emergence for vase life; for seeds, allow heads to mature fully on the plant until the back turns yellow-brown (typically 80-120 days), then cut and dry; protect ripening seeds from birds with netting.