My daughter The Girl Who Thinks She’s a Bird has been planting sunflowers ever since she could walk. I’m not sure who loves them more, her or the birds that come along at the end of each summer and peck at the seeds. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are great for summertime bouquets too.
Brief description: Sunflowers are annual flowers with beautiful bright flowers, usually yellow, red, or orange. They are great for attracting bees, birds, and butterflies to your garden.
Where to Plant Sunflowers: Plant in a sunny location in raised beds, garden beds, and/or containers {depending on the variety}.
Planting Seeds: Plant 1/2″-1″ deep about 1-2 weeks after last frost. When seedlings are 2″ tall, thin to 1 every 12″.
Growing Tips: Sunflowers love hot weather. They are extremely hardy.
How to Harvest: To harvest cut flowers as needed and place into water. To harvest sunflower seeds, allow the flower heads to dry out and lightly rub the head to reveal the seeds.
How to Roast Sunflower Seeds: You can roast the seeds by soaking them in a salt water solution overnight. Then drain them, pat dry, and roast them at 300 degrees for 30-40 minutes, turning them occasionally.
Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.
Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!
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Jen L A says
Mavis,
Do you have a preferred or recommended way to dry the sunflower heads to gather seeds? I have tried several times and mine always seem to mold before seeds are ready to harvest. I have tried a few ways with no luck! We decided to try again and the seeds went in the ground today ……would appreciate any tips! Thanks!
On another note…your garden inspires! Thanks for rocking and growing!
Mavis says
Hi Jen, I’ll write up a post on this! I think others would like to know too. Give me a day or two.
Jen L A says
Thank you! Hubby will be so happy if I can get it right this year!
cyndi says
I think i cut my sunflowers to soon…will they dry out by hanging upside down?
Mavis Butterfield says
Here is a great tutorial –> http://www.stage.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/how-to-dry-sunflower-seeds/
Ann Glenn says
I love sunflowers but how do you keep the critters from eating the young plants?