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Garden Gate:  Sunflowers  |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 03 2007 : 1:39:43 PM
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I planted sunflowers this year. The blooms have passed now but I have question. I would like to save the seeds. Do I need to leave the flowers in the ground until they dry out and the seeds are visable or can I pull them up and hang them in a dark place and get seeds later. Thanks
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
BLOG
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4179 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4179 Posts |
Posted - Sep 03 2007 : 5:44:43 PM
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I start grabbing seed, when it starts to disappear. If they are dark in color, and look ripe, I put them in an envelope, and leave it open to dry a bit, so they don't have a chance to mold. ( if they have moisture in them ) I am no expert though, so maybe there is a better way. I have had one plant, in a corner of the garden, come up for the last two years. The birds must lose some seed, and every spring I get wonderful sunflowers.
Sunflowers make me smile
Michele |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2007 : 08:58:59 AM
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From what I understand you're supposed to wait until the backs of the flower heads turn yellow, cut them from the stem and hang them until they dry. What I want to know is: is there an easier way to shell the seeds besides sitting with a bowlful to shell each one by hand? I'm going to have a lot this year and this seems too time consuming. I'd like to have them ready to just throw into salads and breads.
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
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BlueRoseMama
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Val
51 Posts |
Posted - Sep 06 2007 : 6:08:31 PM
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I wait until they have no petals and then take the heads and put them in a bright sunny spot to dry out. I have one in my car right now because it was the only place it was dry and warm enough. 
Val
Val ~ I am a whole food cooking, swing pushing, boo-boo kissing, paper crafting, breastfeeding, creative sewing, attachment parenting, woodworking, guitar playing, gardening, constantly reading, artistic and lovely full time, granola lovin' mama to my three sweetlings, Alex (7/20/96), Cyan (7/13/01), and baby Logan (1/22/07).
http://goddesshobbies.blogspot.com/ |
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babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2007 : 10:21:12 AM
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Here, if you wait, you're likely to find them worm eaten or simply devoured by the birds.
I've grown sunflowers. I cut them when they begin to look ready and then I'm sure to bring them inside to dry. Then I took to shelling them right away as I learned the longer that shell stays soft the more likely you are to have worms on the inside.
I've been looking for something to fill this south bed along the house. I've decided I'm going to turn it into a sunflower garden next year for passive cooling. ;)
Babs
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2007 : 10:33:58 AM
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Lisa,
after the heads are dried and the seeds are somewhat loose, I put the head upside down in a bag and start hitting it on the patio floor(or any hard flat object) till the seeds start to fall out. If you try using your hand to remove the seeds, keep in mind that there are little "stickers/barbs" so use a rubber-dishwashing type glove.
I find that once the birds have started snacking on my sunflowers, that is usually a good indication that the seeds are ready.
Also cut the heads off, lay them on my patio table in a very sunny spot to dry.
Depending on the type of sun flower, the seeds will go from pale to white w/black stripes.
Smaller sunflowers are not as great for seed production as are the mammoth ones.
Have fun w/your sunflowers.
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
www.katmom4.blogspot.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2007 : 11:49:04 AM
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My one lone sunflower died while I was away in Wyoming :( I am very disappointed, but I guess I always have next year to try again- right?
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2007 : 12:32:37 PM
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I always wait until the heads fall over on the stalk. After that I cut them off, shake and brush off the remaining pollen into the humming bird feeders and let the heads dry out on a rack in the attic of the garage. I have never had worm issues this way. I have read numerous times that if you cut them before the heads wilt, then you will probably have worm problems. So when they are dry enough to come out of the head, I break the heads and brush off the still somewhat soft seeds. I roast what I want for eating and save the rest in white linen bags after drying them the rest of the way up in the attic of the garage.
If you all remember, I shared a BEAUTIFUL photos (which I cannot find now!!) of some of my ginormous sunflowers form last year. I ahve yet to take a photo this year....Summer slipped away I think....
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
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Garden Gate: Sunflowers |
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Sunflowers
