Helianthus annuus Copper Queen F1 | Sunflower | Seeds

Sunflower Copper Queen F1 brings warm, coppery colour to the summer garden. Its golden-yellow petals are finely dusted with cinnamon tones, creating an overall orange appearance around a dark centre.

Growing approximately 180 cm tall, this striking annual adds height to flower beds and produces beautiful stems for cutting. Its warm colouring combines especially well with cream, apricot, burgundy and other late-summer shades.

Plant Information

Botanical name: Helianthus annuus
Common name: Sunflower
Variety: Copper Queen F1
Family: Asteraceae
Plant type: Annual
Hybrid status: F1 hybrid
Flower colour: Golden yellow with cinnamon shading, creating a copper-orange appearance
Height: Approximately 180 cm
Plant spacing: Approximately 30–45 cm for garden planting
Days to Bloom: Variety-specific timing is not confirmed by the breeder; flowering depends on sowing date, temperature and growing conditions
Position: Full sun
Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well drained
Flowering: Summer into autumn, depending on sowing time and climate
Uses: Cut flowers, mixed borders and summer garden displays

Golden Yellow with a Coppery Glow

Copper Queen F1 offers a more complex colour than a traditional yellow sunflower. Cinnamon-coloured markings soften the golden petals, giving the blooms a warm orange impression.

Plant it towards the back of a sunny border or grow a dedicated patch for cutting. Its tall stems and rich colouring make it a lovely addition to natural bouquets and arrangements inspired by autumn colours.

Sowing & Germination

Recommended method: Direct sowing
Alternative: Start in individual cells or small pots
Sowing depth: Approximately 1–1.5 cm
Germination temperature: Approximately 18–24°C
Germination time: Usually around 5–10 days in warm, suitable conditions; cooler soil can delay emergence
Indoor sowing: Approximately 2–3 weeks before the intended planting date

Direct Sowing

Sow outdoors after the last frost, once the soil has warmed.

1. Choose a sunny position and prepare a weed-free, well-drained seedbed.
2. Sow seeds approximately 1–1.5 cm deep.
3. Water gently and keep the soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge.
4. Protect young seedlings from slugs, snails and birds.
5. Thin plants to approximately 30–45 cm apart for garden growing.

For a longer cutting season, sow small batches approximately every 2–3 weeks during the suitable sowing period. Allow enough growing time for the final sowing to flower before autumn frosts.

Starting Indoors

For an earlier start, sow one seed per cell or small pot in moist, well-drained seed compost. Cover with approximately 1–1.5 cm of compost and keep at around 18–24°C.

After emergence, provide plenty of light. Avoid keeping seedlings indoors for too long: sunflowers grow quickly and dislike restricted roots.

Transplant while plants are young, ideally around the two true-leaf stage, with the root ball intact. Harden off before planting outside after the danger of frost has passed.

Growing Conditions & Care

Choose full sun and a position sheltered from strong winds. Water regularly during establishment and during dry weather, especially as flower buds develop.

Keep the soil moist without allowing it to remain waterlogged. Water at the base of the plants where possible.

Feed according to soil fertility. Excessive nitrogen can encourage leafy growth at the expense of strong flowering stems.

At approximately 180 cm tall, Copper Queen may need staking or a support net, particularly in exposed gardens. Install supports early to avoid disturbing established roots.

Harvesting for Bouquets

Cut when the outer petals begin to lift away from the centre and the flower starts to open. Avoid harvesting very tight buds.

Harvest during the cooler part of the day, remove leaves that would sit below the waterline and place stems promptly into clean water.

Use a clean vase, refresh the water regularly and keep arrangements away from direct sunlight and heat.