Harvesting Sunflower Seeds: Ripe Heads plus Drying
Harvesting sunflower seeds starts when the head shows clear signs of ripeness. Kansas State Research and Extension notes maturity shows as shriveled florets in the center, a lemon yellow back on the head plus heads that face down.
The short answer
Watch the back of the head. Colorado State notes sunflowers are mature when the back turns yellow plus the seeds take on a brownish tinge. Cut the heads, hang them upside down in a warm, dry place plus cover them so seeds do not drop. Rub the dry seeds out.
How do you know sunflower seeds are ready?
Kansas State notes shriveled center florets, a lemon yellow back plus a downward facing head. Its expert adds a final check: pull a few seeds to see if they are black with white stripes.
How do you stop birds eating the heads?
Colorado State advises tying a perforated plastic bag over the head if birds pick at it before it is ready to cut. Kansas State notes a cover also stops ripe seeds dropping from the head.
| Sign or step | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Back of head | Turns lemon yellow | Kansas State |
| Seeds | Black with white stripes | Kansas State |
| Bird cover | Perforated plastic bag | Colorado State |
| Cut | About a foot of stem | Oregon State |
| Dry | Hang upside down | Colorado State |
Source: Kansas State, Colorado State plus Oregon State Extension.
How do you dry and store sunflower seeds?
Oregon State University Extension advises cutting heads with about a foot of stem, hanging them upside down in a dry spot with good air flow plus tying a cloth bag around each head. Colorado State notes seeds separate easily from a dry head plus should be fully dry before airtight storage.
How to: step by step
- Check the back of each head.
- Bag heads if birds visit.
- Cut with a foot of stem.
- Hang upside down to dry.
- Rub out seeds gently.
- Store dry seeds airtight.
Troubleshooting
Birds on heads: tie a bag on. Colorado State advises a perforated bag.
Seeds falling out: cover the head. Kansas State notes a cover holds ripe seeds.
Seeds stale in storage: room temperature. Oregon State notes seeds go rancid over long periods.
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Sources
- Harvesting and roasting sunflower seeds, K-State Research and Extension
- Harvesting and roasting sunflower seeds (PlantTalk 1828), Colorado State University Extension
- Drying and roasting seeds (SP 50-534), Oregon State University Extension
- Helianthus annuus (sunflower), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
FAQ
How do you get seeds out of a dry head?
Kansas State Research and Extension notes seeds can be removed by rubbing gently once the heads dry.
Should heads be covered while drying?
Yes. Oregon State University Extension advises a cloth bag around each head to catch seeds that drop.
How are sunflower seeds roasted?
Colorado State University Extension notes they can be roasted in a 300 degree F oven for 15 to 25 minutes.
What are sunflower seeds used for?
NC State Extension notes the seeds are used for cooking oil, livestock feed plus as a snack food or garnish.
How should dried sunflower seeds be stored?
Colorado State advises airtight containers once seeds are fully dry. Oregon State notes seeds go rancid at room temperature over long periods.
