Allotments 4 All

The Show => Sunflowers => Topic started by: pye on September 28, 2006, 20:12:15

Title: Collecting Sunflower Seeds
Post by: pye on September 28, 2006, 20:12:15
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?
Title: Re: Collecting Sunflower Seeds
Post by: saddad on September 29, 2006, 17:33:36
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...
 ::)
Title: Re: Collecting Sunflower Seeds
Post by: pye on October 01, 2006, 12:21:52
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.
Title: Re: Collecting Sunflower Seeds
Post by: kenkew on October 16, 2006, 11:19:01
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.
Title: Re: Collecting Sunflower Seeds
Post by: manicscousers on October 16, 2006, 11:25:22
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
Title: Re: Collecting Sunflower Seeds
Post by: saddad on October 16, 2006, 22:14:26
I don't mind them being eaten once I've saved my stock!
 ;D
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal