Sunflower seeds

[catjac1975]

My sunflowers were beautiful this year. I thought most of the seed had been eaten by animals but had a nice surprise today. Notice the one with black seed . It is beautiful. The seeds are actually a very dark purple. Only 2 flowers grew from that dark seed.I plan to save a lot of seed to plant next year. Any easy way to remove the seed and dry it? The chickens have already gotten a lot and will get more.

 

[thistlebloom]

Very nice harvest Cat! I just let the seeds dry in the heads until the "skin" on the back is crispy, or close to, then kind of fold the head backwards and rub the seeds out with my thumb. Or give the whole head to the chickens.

 

[catjac1975]

Do you have to bring them indoors? I worry about mold.

 

[thistlebloom]

They can mold if the weather is foggy or rainy, even if they are in a shed. At least mine have. So if you could bring them in I think that would be best.

 

[journey11]

I usually hang mine in the garage. I have to hang them from hooks up high in the ceiling or else the mice will do their acrobatics and find a way to get them. They rub out pretty easily after they are dry, but you have to winnow them if you want all the extra bits out.

 

[catjac1975]

Great advice. Thanks.

 

[Gardening with Rabbits]

I did no think we had any in the Skyscraper plants, but DS took the plant down and when the head hit the ground seeds came out. We scraped them out and took them in the house and next day DD roasted some in shells and out of shell. You have a lot and I am going to plant sunflowers next year more with the idea for seeds than just for being tall and for looks, but these came up on their own from last year.