Can You Save Seeds from Sunflowers?

Yes, you can easily save seeds from sunflowers!

Harvesting and Saving Sunflower Seeds

At the end of the growing season, sunflower heads are ready for seed harvesting. This process allows you to save seeds for future planting or for other uses, such as snacking or bird feed.

Steps for Saving Sunflower Seeds:

1. Select mature heads: Choose healthy, fully mature sunflower heads. The back of the head will be brown and dry.
2. Protect the heads: To prevent birds and squirrels from eating the seeds, you can cover the heads with a mesh bag or old nylon stocking.
3. Harvest the heads: Cut the entire sunflower head from the stalk, leaving about 6-12 inches of stem.
4. Dry the heads: Hang the heads upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks, allowing them to completely dry. This ensures the seeds are ready for storage.
5. Remove the seeds: Once dry, rub the seeds from the head. You can then clean and separate them from any debris.
6. Store the seeds: Store the cleaned seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place in an airtight container. This will help maintain their viability for planting the following year.

This process is simple and allows you to easily collect seeds for planting or other uses.