To set when a sunflower is quick to reap , there are a few cardinal indicators to await for . These signs will aid you insure that the seeds are matured and quick for harvest home . Here ’s a step - by - step guide to help you know when it ’s clock time to harvest your sunflowers :

1 . keep the blossom head : The first thing to look for is the show of the helianthus itself . The flower caput should be fully ripen and ironical . The petals will likely have droop and fall off , and the back of the prime head will turn from green to chicken or brown . This change in coloring indicates that the seminal fluid indoors have ripen .

2 . Checking the seed : Once the flower head has dry out and changed color , it ’s time to hold in the seeds . softly press your thumb against a few seeds on the outer bound of the flower head . If they feel firm and no longer have a green tint , they are quick for harvest . If the seeds are still soft or immature , give them a few more day to senesce .

3 . deal the weather conditions : It ’s important to take into invoice the conditions circumstance during the ripening period . If there ’s a lot of pelting or eminent humidness , it may hold up the drying summons . In such face , you may want to leave the flower head on the plant for a tenacious period until the seeds have completely dried .

4 . harvest the helianthus : Once you ’re confident that the seeds are amply matured , it ’s fourth dimension to glean the sunflower . Use a pair of garden shears or a sharp knife to cut the stalk about a foot down from the prime head . This will leave enough stem for hanging and dry out .

5 . Drying the sunflower : There are two options for drying the sunflower : hanging or setting it out to dry out . If you choose to hang it , find a well - ventilated area , such as a shed or a garage , and tie a small-arm of string or string around the stalk . Hang the sunflower upside down , secure that it is in full exposed to air circulation . If you decide to set it out to dry , lay the sunflower on a clear and wry surface , such as a board or a screen , in a shaded area . Be sure to track it with a mesh net or cheesecloth to protect it from birds or other animals .

6 . Drying length : Allow the sunflower to dry out for about five Day . During this time , the seeds will continue to dry out and become easier to remove from the blossom read/write head . If you ’re dry the sunflower alfresco , verify to cover it properly to forbid birds from feasting on the seed before you do .

7 . off the seeds : After the dry geological period , it ’s time to remove the seeds from the flower head . Put on a pair of gloves to protect your hand , as the flower head may still have scratchy edges . you’re able to also use a instrument , such as a fork or a comb , to well rub the semen off the blossom drumhead . Gently operate the gloves or tool over the flower head , and the seeds will come off and fall into a cooking pan or container placed below .

8 . Collecting the seeded player : Once you ’ve rub the flower point and collected the seeds in a goat god , take a moment to visit them . Ensure that they are fully dry , plump , and costless from any sign of the zodiac of mold or damage . Remove any detritus or chaff that may have fall into the cooking pan .

By following these step , you’re able to ensure that your sunflower seeds are harvest at the optimal clip for maximal flavor and character . Enjoy the satisfaction of growing and collecting your own sunflower seed , whether for snacking , baking , or future planting .

Caroline Bates