Lemon Queen is a much-loved branching sunflower known for its soft, pale lemon-yellow petals surrounding a chocolate-brown central disc. Growing five to seven feet tall and branching to carry many four- to five-inch blooms, it is one of the most reliably pollinator-friendly sunflowers and is the official flower of the Great Sunflower Project citizen-science pollinator survey. Its clear, cool yellow color makes it a garden-designer favorite and a superb cut flower with an exceptionally long bloom season. This open-pollinated variety is easy to grow, adaptable, and highly attractive to native bees, honeybees, and butterflies, which makes it a cornerstone plant for permaculture pollinator borders and wildlife-friendly gardens.
Flavor Profile
Grown as an ornamental and pollinator plant; produces small edible seeds well liked by birds.
Visual Characteristics
Branching 5-7 foot plants with many 4-5 inch soft lemon-yellow blooms centered on a dark chocolate-brown disc.
Growing Tips
A top pollinator choice; leave some heads to seed for birds. Full sun and average soil suit it well.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.