Sunflowers bring color and life to any garden with their big, bright flowers. Besides their beauty, sunflowers produce seeds that we can use for planting, snacking, or feeding birds. Here’s a simple guide to help you know the best time to harvest sunflower seeds and how to keep them for later use.
The Importance of Timing
Getting the timing right is the key to harvesting sunflower seeds. If you pick the seeds too early, they may not be fully developed. Wait too long, and animals like birds and squirrels might take them. Look for specific signs in the flower to know when it’s ready.
How to Tell When Seeds Are Ready
Sunflowers follow a natural pattern as they grow. When the flowers finish blooming, you can watch for a few signs that tell you the seeds are ready to pick:
- Color Change in the Flower Head: The back of the flower, where the seeds are, changes from green to yellow and finally to brown. This is a signal that the seeds are ripening.
- Petals Drying and Falling Off: The flower petals turn dry, wilt, and eventually fall off as the seed develops.
- Seed Condition: The seeds will look full and plump. You may see black and white stripes on them, depending on the type of sunflower. If you gently pull on a seed and it comes out easily, it’s ready.
Getting Ready for Harvest
Before you start harvesting, make sure you have everything you need: a pair of scissors or pruners, a container or bucket, and gloves if you want. Preparing ahead makes the process quicker and smoother.
- Protecting from Birds and Animals: Birds and squirrels love sunflower seeds. To keep them from eating all your seeds, put a paper bag over the flower heads as they start to ripen. Tie it around the base of the flower to hold it in place, allowing air to move freely to prevent mold.
- Harvesting Early: If you’re worried about losing seeds, you can cut the flower heads a bit earlier and dry them indoors. Cut the stem about 12 inches below the flower, so you have enough stem to handle.
Harvesting the Sunflower Heads
When your sunflower heads look ready, here’s what to do:
- Cutting the Stem: Use scissors or pruners to cut the stem about 12 inches below the flower. Sunflower stalks can be thick, so be sure to use strong tools.
- Collecting the Heads: Place the heads in a container or bucket. This helps catch any seeds that may fall out during transport.
Drying the Sunflower Heads and Seeds
Drying the seeds properly is essential, especially if you want to store them. Here’s how to do it:
- Drying Indoors or Outdoors: Hang the sunflower heads in a warm, dry spot with good airflow for a few days. You can tie the heads together with string and hang them upside down. Usually, it takes about five days to dry.
- Avoiding Humidity: If you live in a humid place, it’s best to dry them indoors to avoid dampness or mold. Keep them away from direct sunlight, as this can damage the seeds.
Removing the Seeds from the Flower Head
Once the sunflower heads are dry, it’s time to get the seeds out:
- Using Gloves: The flower head can feel rough, so you may want to wear gloves.
- Rub Over a Bucket: Hold the flower head over a bucket and rub or shake it to loosen the seeds. This process can be fun and is very satisfying!
You might notice a few bits of flower material mixed in with the seeds. You can clean these out later.
Cleaning and Drying the Seeds Further
If you plan to store your seeds, especially for planting or cooking, it’s good to clean them:
- Rinse the Seeds: Use a colander to rinse the seeds and remove any remaining plant bits.
- Drying: Spread the seeds in a single layer on newspaper, paper towels, or in a shallow box lined with paper. Let them dry for a few hours or overnight to ensure they’re fully dry.
Drying seeds well is essential if you’re planning to save them for planting, as damp seeds may spoil in storage.
Storing Sunflower Seeds
Proper storage keeps your seeds fresh and ready for later use. Here’s how to store them:
- Use an Airtight Container: Keep your seeds in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in. Label the container with the date and sunflower type.
- Storage Conditions: Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry place. When stored properly, sunflower seeds can last for years.
How to Use Your Harvested Seeds
After you’ve harvested and stored your seeds, there are several ways to enjoy them:
- For Planting: Save some seeds to grow new sunflowers next year. Planting seeds you’ve harvested is rewarding and economical.
- For Snacking: You can roast sunflower seeds for a delicious and healthy snack. Try adding salt or spices for extra flavor.
- For Bird Food: Sunflower seeds make excellent bird food, especially in winter. Scatter them in your yard or mix them into bird feeders to attract local birds.
Conclusion
Harvesting sunflowers seeds is a straightforward and fun task. With a little care, you can have a supply of seeds ready to plant, snack on, or share with wildlife. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your sunflower seeds are properly harvested and stored, so you can enjoy their benefits long after summer ends.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):-
1. How can I tell when sunflower seeds are ready to harvest?
Sunflowers seeds are ready to pick when the flower is fully grown. Look for these signs: the back of the flower head will turn brown, the petals will wilt and fall, and the seeds will look plump. Try gently pulling a seed – if it comes out easily, they’re good to go!
2. What happens if I pick sunflower seeds too early?
If you pick the seeds too soon, they might not be fully formed. They may not taste as good, won’t be as nutritious, and might not grow if planted. It’s best to wait until the flower head is dried out and brown before harvesting.
3. When should I cut off my sunflower head?
Cut the sunflower head when it’s dry and brown on the back. Use sharp scissors or pruners to cut about 12 inches below the flower head, so there’s enough stem to handle it easily.
4. When do I start sunflower seeds?
Start sunflowers seeds indoors in early spring, around 4-6 weeks before the last frost. If planting outside, wait until the soil reaches about 50°F (10°C) – usually late spring.
5. Will sunflowers grow back after cutting?
Most sunflowers are annuals, meaning they won’t grow back after cutting. But some types, like perennial sunflowers, can grow again from the roots next season.
6. When are sunflowers usually harvested?
Sunflowers are typically ready to harvest in late summer or early fall, around August or September, depending on the area and when they were planted.
7. What can I do with sunflower seeds after harvesting?
After harvest, you can:
- Plant them: Save some seeds for next season.
- Roast them: Enjoy a tasty snack by roasting seeds.
- Feed birds: Scatter seeds in the yard or make suet cakes for winter bird food.
