Valentine's Day Lemon Sunflower

10 Seeds

Valentine's Day Lemon Sunflower is a beautiful ornamental sunflower variety producing soft lemon-yellow petals surrounding a rich dark chocolate center. The branching plants produce multiple blooms over a long flowering season, making them excellent for cut flowers, borders, pollinator gardens, and landscaping. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. This annual sunflower grows exceptionally well in the Gulf when planted during the cooler months.

Best Planting Time

• October to February (recommended)
• Late September in cooler Gulf regions.
• Avoid sowing during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water (25–30°C) for 2–4 hours before sowing to speed germination.
• No cold stratification is required.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Garden soil
• 30% Compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.5

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds directly into the garden or large containers.
• Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep.
• Place 1–2 seeds per hole.
• Thin to the strongest seedling after germination.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 20–28°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 18–30°C
• Requires 6–8 hours (preferably 8+ hours) of direct sunlight daily.

Watering

• Keep the soil lightly moist during germination.
• Water deeply when the top 3–5 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Once established, water regularly but avoid waterlogged soil.

Germination Time

• 7–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 35–45 cm between plants.
• 60–75 cm between rows.

Flowering

• Blooms approximately 60–75 days after sowing.
• Produces multiple flowers over an extended blooming period.
• Remove faded blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
• Excellent for bouquets and floral arrangements.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen to promote abundant flowering.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Plant during the cooler months for the best flowering.
• Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and reduce soil temperature.
• Stake taller plants if grown in windy locations.
• Ensure good air circulation between plants.
• Monitor for aphids, caterpillars, birds feeding on seeds, and powdery mildew.
• Valentine's Day Lemon Sunflower performs beautifully in flower beds, borders, large containers, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens throughout the Gulf.