To harvest sunflower seeds for growing more, you typically cut the flower head, dry it, remove the seeds, clean them, and then store them properly until planting time.
Harvesting Sunflower Seeds for Planting
Saving seeds from your sunflowers allows you to grow new plants the following season. The process involves several key steps once the flower head has matured and begun to dry on the stalk.
Step 1: Cutting the Flower Head
Using sharp pruners, cut the stalks of each flower head about one foot below the bloom. This provides a handle for drying and handling the head. It's best to do this when the back of the flower head has turned yellow or brown and the seeds look plump and mature, but before birds have eaten them all.
Step 2: Drying the Head
To ensure the seeds are fully mature and dry for storage, you need to dry the harvested heads further. Bundle your sunflowers together with twine in bunches, then hang them upside down in a warm and dry area for 4-5 days. Good locations include a garage, shed, or basement, away from moisture and pests. You can cover the heads with paper bags or mesh to catch any falling seeds and protect them from rodents.
Step 3: Removing Seeds
Once the head is dry, you can remove the seeds. Rub two heads together, or use your hands or a stiff brush to dislodge the seeds from the seed head's honeycomb structure. The seeds should come out relatively easily.
Step 4: Removing Debris
After removing the seeds, you'll likely have bits of flower head material and other debris mixed in. Sift or blow gently on the seeds to separate the clean seeds from the chaff. Only the clean, plump seeds should be kept for planting. Discard any flat, shriveled, or damaged seeds.
Step 5: Storing the Seeds
Proper storage is crucial for keeping seeds viable for planting. Store the cleaned seeds in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or paper envelope within a sealed container. Label the container with the variety of sunflower and the date of harvest. Stored correctly, sunflower seeds can remain viable for several years.
Here is a summary table of the steps:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cut | Cut stalks below bloom | Approx. 1 foot below the head with sharp pruners |
| 2. Dry | Hang heads upside down | Bundle with twine, hang in warm/dry area for 4-5 days |
| 3. Remove | Extract seeds from head | Rub heads together, use hands/brush |
| 4. Clean | Separate seeds from debris | Sift or blow gently |
| 5. Store | Keep seeds properly | Cool, dry, airtight container; label with type and date |
By following these steps, as outlined by sources like Kellogg Garden Organics, you can successfully harvest seeds from your sunflowers to plant and enjoy a new crop in the future.
