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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?

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...
::)

Quote from: saddad on September 29, 2006, 17:33:36
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.

Quote from: pye on October 01, 2006, 12:21:52

Quote from: saddad on September 29, 2006, 17:33:36
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.

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

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