When Are Your Sunflowers Picked?

Sunflower seeds are ready for harvest when their foliage turns yellow, the petals die down, and the seeds look plump. The large heads begin to droop and turn down, and the backside of the head should turn yellow-brown. Harvesting sunflowers too early can result in small and tasteless kernels, while picking too late may lead to birds and other wildlife being ahead. Some sunflower varieties mature earlier than others, making it crucial to know how and when to harvest them.

To harvest sunflower seeds, gather tools such as garden shears, a wide bucket or lid, and garden gloves. Ensure the flower head is drooping directly downward, and the back of the sunflower head should show. Sunflowers make a regal appearance with bright yellow petals and tall stalks. To harvest sunflower seeds, choose a dry day and follow these steps:

1. Choose a dry day.
2. Gather tools like garden shears, a wide bucket or lid, and garden gloves.
3. Ensure the flower head is drooping almost directly downward.
4. Ensure the back of the flower head (calyx) turns from green to yellowish-brown, and the outer petals wither and drop.
5. Harvest when seeds are plump and developed.
6. Dry the seeds in approximately 3-4 weeks with ample air flow.
7. Harvest sunflower seeds from July through October, depending on the planting date and the variety of sunflowers grown.