The Great Sunflower Project
Lemon Queen
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The Great Sunflower Project
Lemon Queen
Help the Great Sunflower Project with research to understand the challenges that bees are facing by watching and re...
Help the Great Sunflower Project with research to understand the challenges that bees are facing by watching and recording the bees at these sunflowers. Lemon Queen is a lovely branching variety particularly attractive to bees.
Thinning Sunflower Seedlings For Success 
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender
TO PLANT DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
Sow seed in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled, night temperatures are in the 50°F (10°C) range and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well worked soil 1/2 inch deep and 4 to 5 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist. Germination takes 8 to 10 days. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin them to stand 12 inches apart so they have room to grow sturdy stalks and roots. Extras can be transplanted easily.
CONTAINER PLANTING
Sow directly into pots filled with well-moistened, good quality potting mix. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin to no more than 1 plant per 8 inch pot, or 3 plants per pot 15 inches in diameter and 12 to 18 inches deep. In larger planters, space plants 6 inches apart.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in individual pots of well-drained potting mix. Keep moist but not soggy and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside when seedlings are several inches tall. When weather has warmed into the 50°F (10°C) range, transplant 12 inches apart.
NOTES
Sunflowers are easy and rewarding to grow. Keep soil moist and well weeded. Protect young seedlings from hungry birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Sunflowers need room, so when young seedlings are 3 inches tall, be sure to thin them to stand 12 inches apart.
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
June
|
April – June
|
Sun
|
4 – 5 inches apart
1/2 inch deep |
8 – 10 days
|
5 to 6 feet
|
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
June
|
April – June
|
Sun
|
4 – 5 inches apart
1/2 inch deep |
8 – 10 days
|
5 to 6 feet
|
Cold Winters
June
|
Mild Winters
April – June
|
Sun/Shade
Sun
|
Sow Seeds
4 – 5 inches apart
1/2 inch deep |
Days To Germinate
8 – 10 days
|
Mature Height
5 to 6 feet
|
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