15 Sunflower Seeds Velvet Queen Helianthus annuus Deep Red Blooms for Cottage Pollinator Gardens

Velvet Queen Sunflower is a striking annual known for its rich deep red to burgundy petals with dark centers, adding dramatic warm color to garden beds, borders, and cut flower arrangements. These easy-to-grow flowers reach tall heights and bloom across the summer season, making them a favorite for cottage-style plantings and pollinator-friendly spaces.

Velvet Queen Sunflowers work beautifully in the back of borders, along fences, and in cutting gardens, where their long stems and bold color create strong vertical interest. The blooms draw bees and other pollinating insects, and the mature seed heads can be left standing for birds. Plant in full sun for the strongest stems and deepest color, and provide consistent moisture during establishment.

Species: Helianthus annuus

Variety: Velvet Queen

Type: Annual

Plant_Habit: Tall upright, single-stem to branching

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Days_to_Harvest: 75-90 days to bloom

Zones: 2-11 as annual

Germination: 7-14 days at 65-75F

Sowing: Direct sow after last frost, 1/2 inch deep

Spacing: 12-18 inches apart

Notes: Deep red-burgundy petals with dark centers; excellent for cut flowers and pollinator gardens