I GROW GIANT SUNFLOWERS!

How do you go about harvesting the seeds? Do you dry the whole head first then get the seeds out or vice versa?

I leave 1/2 the flower heads for the animals and protect the other half from them with nets until they start drooping and aren't growing anymore. Then you can either leave the head on the stalk to dry a few weeks or cut it and let it dry inside. Either way, the seeds seem to come out easier after the head dries a few weeks. Then I soak them in salt water for a day and roast them like pumkin seeds at about 300 until they start to brown. Tip: make sure there are actually seeds inside the shell before you do all this work and dont roast too long or the seeds vaporize! Good luck!

Thanks! I would be the one to get a bunch of empty shells! LOL!

It happens to me too. The biggest heads don't necessarily have the biggest seeds. And I dont know about the birds that eat your sunflower seeds but the ones in my yard do it in a very orderly neat fashion- only one flower at a time until they're gone!

We just bought a house about 6 months ago. Previously were apartment dwellers. I think this would be great to do with the kids! We have a boat load of wild life in our yard also. Mostly rabbits and a variety of birds. I will keep your advice in mind!

Make sure you buy the giant sunflower type. May as well get pumkin seeds too ;)

For sure!