harvesting sunflowers

[kelzey]

how to know when to harvest sunflower seeds? i’m not looking to eat them, i’m not personally a huge fan of the seeds. i’d prefer to save to plant and give some to my family for that same purpose. and my chickies will most likely get a lot of them. but when is the best time to harvest? and what to do with seeds after

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Wait until the plant is turning brown and drying out.

 

[TwoCrows]

After those buds fall off, the seeds will mature. When the seeds become loose and come out easily, they are ready to harvest. But watch out, wild birds are watching too!

 

[kelzey]

After those buds fall off, the seeds will mature. When the seeds become loose and come out easily, they are ready to harvest. But watch out, wild birds are watching too!

okay thank you!

 

[21hens-incharge]

To help keep wild birds and squirrels from getting them you can wrap the head in old pantyhose. It helps but won't completely stop determined squirrels.

 

[kelzey]

To help keep wild birds and squirrels from getting them you can wrap the head in old pantyhose. It helps but won't completely stop determined squirrels.

honestly i’m not too bothered if animals at get them! as long as i get a few seeds out of it i’m happy.

 

[Peaches Lee]

honestly i’m not too bothered if animals at get them! as long as i get a few seeds out of it i’m happy.

I'm just laughing because I have some Sunflowers. I looked at them one evening and thought--"yes, tomorrow I will harvest those seeds!". Next day, go out and have a look--seeds are gone! Picked clean. So, if you want to have a "few seeds"--try the pantyhose trick! I know I will next year! Thanks for the tip @21hens-incharge !

P.S. I don't begrudge the sweet little birds their yummy Sunflower seed meal at all!

 

[swampfox440]

To help keep wild birds and squirrels from getting them you can wrap the head in old pantyhose. It helps but won't completely stop determined squirrels.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I'm just laughing because I have some Sunflowers. I looked at them one evening and thought--"yes, tomorrow I will harvest those seeds!". Next day, go out and have a look--seeds are gone! Picked clean. So, if you want to have a "few seeds"--try the pantyhose trick! I know I will next year! Thanks for the tip @21hens-incharge !

P.S. I don't begrudge the sweet little birds their yummy Sunflower seed meal at all!

This year the bushy tailed tree rats stole whole heads off my sunflowers. I grow lemon queen which has multiple small flowers (about 6-8" across).

Next year I may clip a few heads before they are fully ready and hang to dry.

 

[TwoCrows]

This year the bushy tailed tree rats stole whole heads off my sunflowers. I grow lemon queen which has multiple small flowers (about 6-8" across).

Next year I may clip a few heads before they are fully ready and hang to dry.

The sunflower seed marauders are always watching and lurking, its awful to go out expecting to see your plant heads and they are gone!