Species
Helianthus annuusCommon Sunflower15 other cultivars
‘Table Mountain’Table Mountain Sunflower
‘White Lite’White Lite Sunflower
‘Mammoth’Mammoth Sunflower
‘Big Bear’Big Bear Sunflower
‘Autumn Gold’Sunflower Autumn Gold
‘Flore Pleno’Double-Flowered Sunflower
‘Delta Sunflower’Delta Sunflower
‘Happy Days’Happy Days Sunflower
‘Japanese Silver-Leaf’Japanese Silver-Leaf Sunflower
‘Aura Gold’Aura Gold Sunflower
‘Ring of Fire’Ring of Fire Sunflower
‘Red Courtesan’Red Courtesan Sunflower
‘Arikara’Arikara sunflower
‘Starter Garden’Starter Garden Common Sunflower
‘Italian White’Italian White Sunflower
The Story
Plant Bio
A tall, annual sunflower variety known for its large, dark green leaves and bright yellow blooms.
A branching annual sunflower that produces a profusion of 4-5 inch wide, pale lemon-yellow flowers with dark brown centers. It is an excellent choice for the back of the border and for cut flowers.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
72 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late summer – Early fall
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds 1 inch deep into well-draining soil in full sun.
- Mist cuttings regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart for proper growth.
- Stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage.
- Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Pro Tip
Plant in early spring after the last frost for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged stems in late winter
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t plant in shaded areas; they need full sun
- Never disturb roots while mulching
- Don’t forget to support tall varieties in windy areas
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Lemon Queen Sunflower questions
What zones can Lemon Queen Sunflower grow in?
Lemon Queen Sunflower is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Lemon Queen Sunflower deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Lemon Queen Sunflower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Lemon Queen Sunflower bloom?
Lemon Queen Sunflower typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Lemon Queen Sunflower need full sun?
Lemon Queen Sunflower does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Lemon Queen Sunflower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lemon Queen Sunflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Helianthus to compare
Swamp Sunflower
Helianthus angustifolius 'First Light'
Maximilian sunflower
Helianthus maximiliani
Narrow-Leaf Sunflower Low Down
Helianthus angustifolius 'Low Down'
Bolander's Sunflower
Helianthus bolanderi
Salicifolius Sunflower Willowleaf Sunflower
Helianthus salicifolius
Table Mountain Sunflower
Helianthus annuus 'Table Mountain'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Lemon Queen Sunflower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.