Sunflower seeds are tasty and healthy - not only for humans, but also for pets and garden birds. In addition, new sunflowers can be grown from the seeds. It is therefore worth harvesting the seeds in autumn.

If the sunflowers are not protected at harvest time, they will be harvested by our feathered friends

When are sunflower seeds harvested?

Sunflower seeds are ripe when they can be easily removed from the top of the sunflower blossom.

The kernels then have a very hard shell, which is brown or black and white depending on the variety.

Let sunflower blossoms ripen outside

It is best to let the sunflower seeds ripen outside on the plant. If you harvest them before then, there is a risk that they will rot or be unsuitable for seed.

However, birds and squirrels like to peck the seeds out of the flowers before they are fully ripe. You must therefore protect the sunflower heads.

Tie a permeable cloth or paper bag over the flower head to keep birds and squirrels away from the seeds. However, paper has the disadvantage that you have to replace the cover after every downpour.

How to harvest the seeds

The flower heads remain on the stem until the seeds are fully ripe. You can tell this by the fact that the back of the flower head is completely brown and feels dry.

Now cut off the flower heads, including the wrapper, and bring them indoors.

Many of the seeds fall out just by shaking. The rest are removed from the head with a brush.

After harvesting

Then prepare the kernels for storage or consumption:

  • Wash the seeds in a sieve
  • Store on a towel
  • Leave to dry for several hours
  • Then roast or press
  • Put seeds in paper bags for sowing
  • Store dry

Roast or press out the seeds

You can roast the seeds in the oven and eat them as a snack. They are also good for baking.

If you have your own oil mill, the kernels can also be pressed to extract oil. However, this is only worthwhile for larger quantities of sunflower seeds.

tips and tricks

Sunflower seeds are very rich in protein. Just 100 grams of cored kernels contain more protein than, for example, a steak.

Category:

Vegetable garden