Growing Sunflowers For Birds: A Guide?

This guide focuses on growing sunflower seeds for birds, a valuable food source for birds, bees, and insects. Sunflowers are easy to grow and provide essential winter food for wild birds as they finish flowering. There are three types of sunflower seeds: black oil sunflower seeds, striped sunflower seeds, and hulled sunflower seeds.

Sunflower seeds are a common component of many bird food mixes or can be fed on their own to birds in the garden. Sunflower hearts are popular with birds, but they enjoy sunflower seeds in all shapes and sizes. To get started, simply purchase a packet of seed, water, soil, and light. Sow the seeds under the surface of the soil, place them on a warm kitchen windowsill, and wait for them to germinate from April to June. In late summer, gather your sunflower heads and put them in a dry place to dehydrate or stop pruning.

Growing sunflowers is easy as long as you remember they were named for their love of sunshine. Choose a sheltered location that gets full sun all day long. Plant the seeds about 1-2 inches deep in the soil, depending on the size of the seed. Soak and activate them for a couple of days and plant them densely in some pots or in ground.

Keep a Shepards hook with small feeders and a birdbath right in the garden, called the “bird oasis”. Spring is the time to sow and plant sunflowers, and bees, birds, and other wildlife will love you for it. You can get the black oil seed you get in your birdseed supply or purchase different varieties.

Can I grow my own sunflower seeds?

The most straightforward method for cultivating sunflower plants is to grow them from seed directly into the ground. This approach offers a greater variety of options and is also relatively simple, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for those who wish to establish their own garden.

How to prepare sunflower seeds for birds?

To harvest sunflower seeds, cut off the entire flower head and hang it upside-down in a warm, dry place for three weeks. The seeds will drop out as they dry. Remove the rest by knocking or rubbing two heads together. Store the seeds in air-tight containers. For birds, no further processing is needed. Sunflower seeds can be eaten raw, fried, or roasted, including roasting in the shell. Michigan State University Extension provides tips on preparing and preserving sunflower seeds for snacks or baked goods.

To hull dried sunflower seeds, break them up with a rolling pin, hammer, or food chopper, and then drop them into a large container of water. Stir vigorously, causing the kernels to sink to the bottom and the shells to float. Dry the kernels before roasting or storing.

Will raw sunflower seeds sprout?

Sunflower sprouts should be found in airtight packages, avoiding bulk bins. The word “sproutable” may be printed on the package, and roasted or toasted sunflower seeds are better for growing microgreens. Both hulled and unhulled seeds work well for sunflower sprouts. To sprout sunflower seeds, place ½ cup in a quart jar, fill with water, cover with a sprouting supplies or mesh lid, and soak overnight.

Drain the water off the seeds, invert the jar, and repeat this process twice daily. Tiny sprouts should form in 12-18 hours, and sprouting is complete when just the sprout tail emerges. Drain the sprouts well and enjoy your delicious sunflower sprouts.

What is the best sunflower to grow for birds?

The author recently purchased black oil sunflower seeds from a bird store for their wild birds, but decided to grow their own for next year. Black oil seeds have a higher oil content and are meatier for birds, making them easier for small birds to crack open. They found Peredovik Black Oil Sunflower Seed from Russia, which can be found at Southern Exposure Seed Exchange in 2016. The sunflowers grow from 3-6 feet tall and can be added to other sunflowers for a treat for the birds.

The author is considering growing the expensive finch seed, Nyger, but is unsure if it will grow in their area. If the sunflowers don’t grow from their birdseed mix, they can buy germinating seeds from the site mentioned above. The author will update their post on the success of their black oil sunflower seeds and other sunflower seeds for wild birds.

Should I soak sunflower seeds before sowing?

Soaking seeds before planting is a common method to improve germination, as seeds have a hard outer layer to protect themselves from insects and diseases. Soaking them in water softens the hard seed coat, exposing the embryo to moisture and promoting growth. Sunflower seeds don’t need to be soaked, but soaking them for 12 to 24 hours can hasten germination and increase the number of sprouts. To grow sunflowers outdoors, cover the planting area with finished compost or aged manure, then work it into the ground, loosening the top 12-18 inches of soil. This loose soil allows the sunflower’s long taproot to grow easily and improves water infiltration.

What do sunflowers need the most?

Sunflowers require a specific set of environmental conditions for optimal growth and flowering, including access to water, sunlight, fertile soil, and support from stakes or canes. It is advisable to protect the plants from the damage caused by slugs, snails, and birds during the seeding and harvesting processes. To ensure a successful planting, please complete the provided CAPTCHA and visit Nestlé’s global site. Nestlé is developing a solution and encourages humans to complete the CAPTCHA in order to facilitate a more optimal user experience.

Do I need to soak sunflower seeds before sprouting?

Soaking seeds before planting is a common method to improve germination, as seeds have a hard outer layer to protect themselves from insects and diseases. Soaking them in water softens the hard seed coat, exposing the embryo to moisture and promoting growth. Sunflower seeds don’t need to be soaked, but soaking them for 12 to 24 hours can hasten germination and increase the number of sprouts. To grow sunflowers outdoors, cover the planting area with finished compost or aged manure, then work it into the ground, loosening the top 12-18 inches of soil. This loose soil allows the sunflower’s long taproot to grow easily and improves water infiltration.

What sunflower seeds are safe for birds?

Black sunflower seeds, with their thin seed coat, are easy for birds to access and high in oil and nutrients, making them an excellent snack for wild birds year-round, especially in winter. Regular sunflower seeds can be difficult for smaller birds due to their hard outer shell. Really Wild Bird Food offers sunflower hearts and chips made to bakery grade quality, ensuring the highest quality products for birds.

Can you plant the sunflower seeds you eat?

Sunflower seeds can be stored in air-tight containers in the pantry for 2 to 3 months, or frozen for up to a year. They are edible, with some varieties producing striped seeds and others with black hulls. Striped seeds have thicker shells. Sunflower seeds can be used as snacks for humans and as a food source for wild birds. They also provide an additional benefit as birds and animals often sow sunflower seeds for you. Remember to save some raw sunflower seeds for next year’s garden.

Are raw sunflower seeds safe for birds?

Sunflower seeds are a healthy and nutritious choice for wild birds. They are rich in essential nutrients and proteins, including good fats for weight regulation and fat storage to keep birds warm during colder months. Sunflower seeds also contain protein, which is crucial for birds to maintain strength during flying, hunting, or nesting. Birds are not picky eaters, and they can eat sunflower seeds without any adverse effects. As a result, sunflower seeds are a safe and healthy food to leave out for birds in your garden. Overall, sunflower seeds are a healthy and nutritious choice for bird feeders.

How do you sprout sunflower seeds for birds?

The seeds should be placed in a jar, washed, soaked overnight, and rinsed twice a day. Jamie Gilardi, the Executive Director of the World Parrot Trust, states that the process of creating sprouts is relatively simple and can be completed in a matter of minutes. He obtained a Ph. D. in Ecology from UC Davis, where his research focused on parrot social behavior, foraging ecology, and soil eating in Peru.