Quick summary
Sunflower seeds are a nutritious andversatile cropthat can be enjoyed in a variety of ways . They can be wipe out raw , roasted , or land into flour . They are also a skilful source of protein , fiber , and vitamin . If you want to uprise your own sunflowers next year , you will need to harvest the seeds from this twelvemonth ’s crop . Here is a footmark - by - step guideon how to do it :
Selecting the Right Sunflowers
Not all sunflower are suitable for semen saving . select varieties that are open - pollinated , meaning they willproduce seedsthat are true to typewrite . Heirloom variety are agood choice , as they have been passed down for generations and are well - adapted to local growing conditions .
Waiting for Maturity
helianthus seminal fluid are ready to reap when the back of theflower heading turns brownand the seed are plump and full . The seeds will also be easy to take away from the promontory .
Cutting and Drying
Cut theflower headfrom the stalk and place it in a warm , ironical placeto dry . you could hang thehead upsidedown in a newspaper base or spread the seed out on a tray .
Removing the Seeds
Once theflower headis dry , you’re able to remove the seed by rub them between your hired hand or using aseed stripper . The seeds should come off easily .
Cleaning and Storing
Clean the germ by polish off any chaff or debris . Store the semen in a nerveless , dry placein anairtight container . They willremain viablefor up to three years .
Additional Tips
Preparing Seeds for Planting
When you are quick to establish your sunflower seeds , you will involve to train them first . Soak the seeds inwarm waterfor 24 hours . This will help oneself themgerminate quicker . After soaking , plant the seminal fluid in well - drained soil . The seeds should be planted about 1inch deepand space 6 in apart .
Enjoying Your Harvest
Sunflowers are a beautiful andrewarding cropto turn . With a little care , you could harvest your ownsunflower seedsand enjoy them for years to amount .
What You Need to Know
Q : How long does it take forsunflower seedsto germinate?A : Sunflower seeds typically germinatewithin 5 - 10 days . Q : How late should I plant helianthus seeds?A : Sunflower seedsshould be planted about 1 inch deep . Q : How far apart should I outer space sunflower seeds?A : Sunflower seedsshould be spaced about 6 inches apart . Q : How much water do sunflowers need?A : Sunflowers need about 1 inch of piss per workweek . Q : How improbable do sunflowers grow?A : sunflower can grow to be anywhere from 3 to 15 feet improbable . Q : When should I harvest sunflower seeds?A : helianthus seedsare quick to harvest when the back of theflower head turns brownand the seeds are embonpoint and full . Q : How do I store helianthus seeds?A : Sunflower seedsshould be stored in a cool , dry placein an airtight container . They willremain viablefor up to three years .
