Sunflowers are very easy to grow, they come in all sizes for borders, beds, pots and containers, adding warmth and vibrancy to any outdoor living space – large or small. They look dramatic combined with other easy annuals such as Cosmos, Coreopsis or Cornflower. Sunflowers are long-lasting whether used in the garden or as cut flowers, and attract a wealth of beneficial insects. Their spent heads can also be left to feed birds throughout winter.
Velvet Queen Helianthus annuus. Rich copper red petals are highlighted with golden yellow around a nearly black central disc. Plant Velvet Queen sunflower seeds for 1.5m (5') tall plants with simply gorgeous blooms around 13cm (5") wide. This variety looks its best when contrasted with some bright yellow sunflowers in a border or raised bed. Be sure the soil is warm at planting time, and freely draining throughout the season. Velvet Queen is an early flowering type, so try planting at two to three week intervals instead of all at once. The bloom period will be longer this way, and the flowers are just right for cutting and bringing indoors. Annual
Taiyo Certified Organic Taiyo Organic sunflower seeds are a Certified Organic Japanese variety with very large, single 20-30cm (8-12") wide flowers on sturdy stems that grow to 1.8-2m (5-6') tall. Rich yellow petals surround Taiyo's dark chocolate centre. This sunflower looks absolutely fantastic in large plantings and makes wonderful cut flowers. We recommend planting at least one variety of sunflowers, particularly if you are growing squash, or any crop that is insect pollinated. Nothing seems to improve fruit set on zucchinis better than simply companion planting with some sunflowers. The bees will come from miles around to visit the sunflower, and will take care of all the other open flowers during their visits. Hardy Annual (HA)