Velvet Queen Sunflower
Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen'
Height: 5 feet
Spacing: 12 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: (annual)
Description:
A stunning variety, featuring 6 inch wide, crimson and gold blooms; a low maintenance selection that is both edible and visually appealing; petals are a great addition to salads, adding a mild nutty flavor, while seeds are wonderful roasted
Edible Qualities
Velvet Queen Sunflower is a annual that is commonly grown for its edible qualities. It produces small dark gray oblong seeds in hard shells with brown overtones which are typically harvested when mature. The seeds have a pleasant taste.
The seeds are most often used in the following ways:
- Eating When Cooked/Prepared
- Cooking
Planting & Growing
Velvet Queen Sunflower will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 12 inches apart. This fast-growing annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year.
This plant is typically grown in a designated edibles garden. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.
