Collecting Sunflower Seeds

[pye]

Can I collect sunflower seeds now (to sow next year) while they're still green? Or do I need to wait until they've ripened to black and dried out?

[saddad]

Cut the head soon and Hang up in a dry place like a shed.... or the damp will spoil them, or the mice/squirrels will get them.
Have you only grown one sort? they cross pollinate easily...
 

[pye]

Have you only grown one sort? they cross pollinate easily...

This year's flowers are already mongrels, grown from last year's seed. I got colours from dark yellow to deep red, one head to lots of heads. Not uniform but rather lovely.

Last year I wasn't sure when to collect them so I waited till they dried on the plants and like you say, I lost most to birds and squirrels.

Will cut the heads when they dry out (been pouring here today). Cheers sd.

[kenkew]

Have you only grown one sort? they cross pollinate easily...

Last year I wasn't sure when to collect them so I waited till they dried on the plants and like you say, I lost most to birds and squirrels.

I collect 50 or so seeds then hang the heads on the fence for any bird or animal to eat. Don't forget birds etc in the winter months.

[manicscousers]

I've had to store mine in jars, there's a tiny fieldmouse comes in to the greenhouse to eat, I wanted some for the birds so, as soon as they're dry, I take half, leave him a quarter as he's cute and spread the rest for the birds

[saddad]

I don't mind them being eaten once I've saved my stock!