What To Know
- Sunflower seeds are ready to harvest when the back of the flower head turns brown and the seeds are plump and full.
- You can hang the head upside down in a paper bag or spread the seeds out on a tray.
Sunflower seeds are a nutritious and versatile crop that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into flour. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. If you want to grow your own sunflowers next year, you will need to harvest the seeds from this year’s crop. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Selecting the Right Sunflowers
Not all sunflowers are suitable for seed saving. Choose varieties that are open-pollinated, meaning they will produce seeds that are true to type. Heirloom varieties are a good choice, as they have been passed down for generations and are well-adapted to local growing conditions.
Waiting for Maturity
Sunflower seeds are ready to harvest when the back of the flower head turns brown and the seeds are plump and full. The seeds will also be easy to remove from the head.
Cutting and Drying
Cut the flower head from the stalk and place it in a warm, dry place to dry. You can hang the head upside down in a paper bag or spread the seeds out on a tray.
Removing the Seeds
Once the flower head is dry, you can remove the seeds by rubbing them between your hands or using a seed stripper. The seeds should come off easily.
Cleaning and Storing
Clean the seeds by removing any chaff or debris. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. They will remain viable for up to three years.
Additional Tips
- Harvest on a sunny day: This will help the seeds dry quickly and prevent mold growth.
- Wear gloves: The seeds can be sharp, so it is a good idea to wear gloves when handling them.
- Save the largest seeds: The largest seeds will produce the strongest plants.
- Label the seeds: Be sure to label the seeds with the variety and the date they were harvested.
- Experiment with different varieties: There are many different varieties of sunflowers, so experiment with different ones to find the ones you like best.
Preparing Seeds for Planting
When you are ready to plant your sunflower seeds, you will need to prepare them first. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours. This will help them germinate faster. After soaking, plant the seeds in well-drained soil. The seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart.
Enjoying Your Harvest
Sunflowers are a beautiful and rewarding crop to grow. With a little care, you can harvest your own sunflower seeds and enjoy them for years to come.
What You Need to Know
Q: How long does it take for sunflower seeds to germinate?
A: Sunflower seeds typically germinate within 5-10 days.
Q: How deep should I plant sunflower seeds?
A: Sunflower seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep.
Q: How far apart should I space sunflower seeds?
A: Sunflower seeds should be spaced about 6 inches apart.
Q: How much water do sunflowers need?
A: Sunflowers need about 1 inch of water per week.
Q: How tall do sunflowers grow?
A: Sunflowers can grow to be anywhere from 3 to 15 feet tall.
Q: When should I harvest sunflower seeds?
A: Sunflower seeds are ready to harvest when the back of the flower head turns brown and the seeds are plump and full.
Q: How do I store sunflower seeds?
A: Sunflower seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. They will remain viable for up to three years.
