Lemon Queen sunflower: a branching bee magnet

Lemon Queen is a branching annual sunflower with pale lemon-yellow petals around a dark brown center. One plant grows about 5 to 7 feet tall and carries many medium-sized blooms from late summer into fall. It is a favorite of bees, since it produces both pollen and nectar. Sow seeds half an inch deep in full sun after your last spring frost, once the soil has warmed. Thin seedlings to at least 12 inches apart, and give them more room for full branching. Water young plants, then let them coast once established.

Is it the right sunflower for you? Choose Lemon Queen if you want a long season of cut flowers and a pollinator magnet from one sowing. Pick a single-stem type instead if you want one giant head for seeds. See types of sunflowers to compare forms, and companion plants for sunflowers for bed partners.

The Lemon Queen sunflower is a multi-branched sunflower cultivar that blooms in late summer and early fall. It is easy to grow in full sun and needs little care.

Lemon Queen sunflower basics

Named for its Lemon-yellow color, Lemon Queen is a sunflower cultivar with pale, pointed petals and a chocolate-brown center. The blooms draw bees and butterflies. They do not deter deer or rabbits, though, and both animals eat young sunflower plants.

The Great Sunflower Project, a citizen science bee survey, asks volunteers to watch this cultivar. “Data from the annual variety Lemon Queen are especially useful because using the same variety helps us compare observations across many locations,” the project explains. It also notes that “some varieties do not produce pollen,” which is one reason pollenless cut-flower types draw fewer bees.

This sunflower plant grows multiple branches, so a single plant produces dozens of flowers. Lemon Queen plants grow fast and reach about 5 to 7 feet tall by late summer.

How to plant Lemon Queen sunflowers

Plant Lemon Queen seeds after your last spring frost. Tiny seedlings can sometimes survive a light frost, but a hard frost can kill larger ones.

Sow once the soil has warmed, which comes earlier in mild climates and later where winters are harsh. In cold regions, late spring to early summer is typical. Learn more in how to plant sunflower seeds.

Choose well-drained soil. For a container, pick a large pot, at least 10 gallons. Make a hole about 1/2 inch deep, drop in one seed, and cover it with soil. Tips for containers are in growing sunflowers in pots.

Pick a spot in full sun. Sunflowers handle heat well and bloom best with plenty of direct light.

Seeds sprout in about a week. Once they do, thin the seedlings so each plant stands at least 12 inches apart from its neighbor. Branching types fill out more with extra room.

How to grow Lemon Queen sunflower plants

Water young plants often, and more in dry spells. Soak the soil at the base to encourage deep roots, but don’t keep the soil soggy.

Once established, these sunflowers handle dry spells well. Spread a layer of organic mulch around the base to hold moisture, keep roots cool, and block weeds.

Rich soil may not need any fertilizer. In poor soil, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which push leaves at the expense of blooms.

Tall plants may need support in windy spots. Tie the main stem to a sturdy stake with soft ties.

Check for pests such as aphids and caterpillars, and use organic controls if needed. Watch for fungal diseases in humid weather. Skip pesticides that could harm bees and butterflies.

Pair Lemon Queen with flowers that bloom at other times to feed pollinators all season. A shallow dish of water helps too. For ideas, see plants that attract pollinators by season.

FAQs about Lemon Queen sunflowers