Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen' – Deep red sunflower for borders and cut flowers

Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen' is a spectacular annual sunflower that enriches gardens, borders, and cutting gardens with its deep red flowers and dark center. This variety is ideal for cut flowers, ornamental plantings, and cutting gardens, thanks to its sturdy stems, compact growth, and long-lasting blooms.

'Velvet Queen' is perfect for gardeners, hobby growers, and florists who want a striking, easy-care sunflower with long-lasting ornamental value and bee-friendly qualities.

Characteristics of Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen'

Key Features:

• Deep red flowers with a dark heart – an elegant, striking colour for borders and bouquets

• Sturdy, tall stems – ideal for cut flowers with long-lasting vase life

• Prolific flowering – multiple flowers per plant for a full and vibrant appearance

• Pollen-rich flowers – attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators

• Single to lightly branched stems – suitable for ornamental planting and cutting gardens

Thanks to these properties, 'Velvet Queen' offers long-lasting ornamental value and ecological benefits, making it a versatile choice for various applications.

Use and application

Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen' can be used in various ways:

• Cut flowers – large flowers and sturdy stems make the plant ideal for bouquets and flower arrangements

• Borders and flowerbeds – tall plants provide structure and striking colour accents

• Pick-a-Pick Gardens – perfect for hobby gardeners who want to harvest long-lasting, decorative flowers

• Bee-friendly gardens – flowers attract pollinators and promote biodiversity

The deep red color and abundant flower production make 'Velvet Queen' excellent for combining with other summer bloomers such as asters, cosmos, and rudbeckia, for a harmonious and colorful garden look.

Growth habit and care

Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen' is a sun-loving annual that grows best in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. The plant develops sturdy stems and requires regular watering during dry spells.

Care tips

• Sow indoors before the last frost or directly outdoors after the last frost

• Planting distance: approximately 50–60 cm for optimal air circulation

• Support may be necessary in windy locations or tall plants

• Regular watering and fertilizing promotes healthy growth and long-lasting flowering

• Remove wilted flowers to encourage new blooms

With proper care, 'Velvet Queen' offers a long flowering period from mid-summer to early autumn.

Features at a glance

• Latin name: Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen'

• Type: Annual sunflower

• Color: Deep red with dark heart

• Flower shape: Large daisy-like flower

• Plant structure: Tall, sturdy stems, single to lightly branched

• Flowering: Summer to early autumn

• Location: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, nutritious

• Application: Borders, cut flowers, cut flower gardens, bee-friendly gardens

• Ecological: Pollen-rich flowers, attractive to pollinators

Why choose Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen'?

• Large, deep red flowers for a striking effect

• Tall, sturdy stems suitable for cut flowers

• Richly flowering with multiple flowers per plant

• Pollen-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinators

• Versatile applications in borders, cutting gardens and cut flower production

Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen' is a perfect choice for gardeners and florists who want to harvest and use striking, bee-friendly sunflowers.