Sunflowers are a beautiful and useful plant that can be harvested for various purposes, including harvesting seeds for yourself or wildlife, and using the stalks to aerate your compost pile. However, they also have their own challenges when it comes to caring for them after they bloom.
When sunflowers die, the best way to dispose of them is by cutting the stems off the plant and discarding them. If you want to save the seeds, you can carefully remove them from the flower head and store them in a paper bag or other airy, vermin-proof container. The big disk flower heads can be stomped all over them and put into a compost heap, dig them into the soil, or use them to light fires.
When the flower heads start to dry and turn to face the ground, cut off flower heads with a 2-foot section of the stem attached. Tie the stems together to prevent drooping sunflowers from being thirsty, having pests, or ready for harvest. If you display the sunflowers immediately, no special treatment is needed, but allow them to rest in a cool, dark area for a few minutes.
If you want to keep the seeds for winter, cut them off, place them in a protected place away from rodents, and dry them for a couple of weeks. Use the seeds for bird seed over the winter.
In summary, caring for sunflowers throughout their life cycle and deadheading them can enhance your gardening experience and allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of these sun-loving flowers.
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