Are my sunflowers ready to be harvested?? (Pic Included)?

Question

http://www.flickr.com/photos/carrierox4ever13/

Answer 1

Not yet, the receptacle (back side) isn't dry enough. I like the idea of putting a nylon stocking over the head and letting it remain. You can also take a sample of the seed from several areas and break them open. The "meat" inside should be well formed and full. Better you testing than the birds. Seeds vary in color, but they should be darker than these. Good job growing!

Answer 2

Almost, but not quite. Give them some more time because the seeds in the center of the flower do not appear to have developed yet. When they are really droopy then they will be about ready. At that point you can remove them and let them dry in a dark cool place or you can place a nylon stocking or mesh bag over the flower and let it continue to dry on the stalk. The stocking or bag will keep the birds from eating all the seeds.

Answer 3

They are almost ready. The outer rim seeds are. You can tell by the gray and white stripes on the seed. I grow the same sunflowers (a lot of them mostly 12' tall with a 18-22 inch head). I start harvesting them once I see birds starting to eat them. You can start by taking some from the outer rim. Dry them out for before storing other wise you'd get molds on them. I don't put them outside to dry which is the fastest because the birds get to them but if you have an enclosed patio or deck you could leave it there, otherwise just place them on a rack between two paper towels. I let it sit there for a couple of weeks before storing them in air tight or vacuum sealed jars.

Horticulture student.

Answer 4

No not ready for harvesting yet. The stalk will become brittle and the seeds will turn black.(colour depending on variety)... if you can shake the seeds out with a bit of effort, you can start harvesting.

Answer 5

Yes, I do believe you are supposed to pull off the seeds when they are dry. Look at the links...