how do you know when to harvest sunflower seeds?

Answer 1

when the birds start eating them

Answer 2

The easiest way to tell is when all the petal have fallen and the backs of the flowers have turned brown. If you look at the flower face you will notice parts of it starting to swell with ripe seeds that are marked with black stripes. All of the seeds may not yet be ripe so if you like you can put a stocking over the flower head to keep the critters from stealing all your seeds while it continues to ripen on the vine. Once you are ready to remove the flower head then cut it at the stalk leaving about 2-3 inches for holding on to and store in a cool dry place until you are ready to plant or cook.

Here are some instructions for roasing sunflower seeds if you are interested.

"Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of salt per two quarts of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for two hours. Drain and dry on absorbent paper. Seeds may also be soaked overnight in a salt solution.

Roast sunflower seeds in a shallow pan at 300 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. After removing from the oven, stir in one teaspoon of melted butter or margarine for every cup of seeds. Cool on an absorbent towel and salt to taste.

One-quarter cup of sunflower seeds is 200 calories. Sunflower seeds are high in potassium, calcium, and phosphorus."

Answer 3

when the birds start eating them its too late they will devour it in a day and squirrel will take to store and run away

when the flower starts to turn brown

and some tips for keeping them-you can heat them and salt them in the stove and they will store better cooked

cut them off so you got a few inches extra than you need to hang them upside down-you can put them into grocery plastic bags and heat in the sun tied close with some holes in the top for humidity to come out.

or you can as said, Hang the heads in a dry, well-ventilated spot until the seeds have completely dried.
Rub the dried seeds from the head and remove the hulls.
Place the hulled seeds in plastic bags or storage containers and keep them at cool, dry room temperature for three to four months.. Store them in the freezer for up to a year.

in Jesus amazing grace and thanks=John 3 the sunflower of our life, askin him into our heart to forgive sin-even one lie and be our friend. amen