With their sunny character, sunflowers are a colorful addition to any garden. Plus, they are healthy and delicious. But when it comes time to harvest sunflowers - what should you consider, how do you harvest the seeds correctly and how do you store them for re-sowing?You will find out in this article!
One of the great joys of planting sunflowers (Helianthus) is not only being a feast for the eyes, but also collecting their seeds in the fall. But if you've done your homework right and taken the necessary care, you'll be richly rewarded! However, there's something you should keep in mind - you won't be the only one who's itching to harvest sunflower seeds. They are also a favorite pastime for birds, squirrels, etc. So if you want to stay one step ahead of the local wildlife, you need to know when to harvest your sunflowers.
Harvesting sunflowers – when is the right time?
Harvesting sunflower seeds is a breeze. The more difficult task is getting the timing right. If you harvest them too early, the kernels will not be ripe enough to be juicy, but if you harvest them too late, they will be too dry. However, there are some clear signs you can use to successfully identify when the time is right to harvest your Helianthus seeds, whether you grow them in the garden or in a container on your balcony.
Although harvesting most often occurs in the fall, between 30 and 45 days after flowering, it is important to clarify that the ripening of sunflower seeds is not tied to a precise time. The best way to identify it is by observation, and we advise you to start doing so in late summer. As soon as the sunflower flower heads begin to wilt and turn from yellow to brown, the harvest season begins.
Collecting sunflower seeds – how to do it right
Now that we've determined when is the right time to harvest sunflower seeds, it's also important to know how to do it correctly. Here we present two methods. Which one you choose is a matter of personal preference, as one will not yield more than the other.
Method 1: Dry on the stem and harvest
If you want to dry sunflower seeds straight from the stem, you need to make sure your plants are well protected from the weather. After all, the sunflower seeds can only be removed from the flower if it is completely dry.
So that the flower can dry well on the stem, put a paper bag or jute sack over it and tie it tightly. If it gets wet in the rain, just replace it. The bag not only ensures that the seeds dry in time and protects them from birds, but also makes harvesting easier. When the sunflower seeds come loose, they just fall right in.
If you choose this method, you should check regularly to see if the kernels are starting to separate. If this happens, simply cut the stems an inch below the flower heads. Then shake the flower heads on a cloth so that some of the seeds fall out. You can catch the rest with a stiff-bristled brush. Rub the flower heads with it while holding them at an angle. This causes the seeds to loosen and fall onto the cloth.
Method 2: Dry indoors and harvest sunflowers
If you don't want to worry about the weather outside, you can also cut off sunflowers that have started to wilt and continue drying them indoors. In this case, however, you should leave about 30 cm of stems. Then place a paper bag over the flower head and secure it tightly to the stem. Then hang the sunflower upside down in a dry and protected place and wait. The seeds will separate once the drying phase is complete and fall straight into the bag.
The seeds remaining in the flower can be easily removed by rubbing the flower with the palm of your hand.
- Note: Did you know that sunflower seeds can have different colors, for example black and white or black? This is because the color depends on the type of sunflower.
How to dry seeds for re-sowing
When you want to replant the seeds, simply rinse them in a colander, separating them from any remaining particles and dirt. Then line a shallow cardboard box or wooden box with newspaper and paper towels and scatter the seeds in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Let them dry for a few hours (or overnight). Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them. Stored this way, the seeds will last for years.
Sow sunflowers: when and how? Tips for successful cultivationcan be found here!
Conclusion: Harvesting sunflowers is easy, but it is important that you do it at the right time. This is when the flowers have faded and the back of the flower head is dry and yellowish to brown.
