When Is The Sunflower Harvest In South Dakota?

South Dakota is a top producer of sunflowers, with the best time to harvest them being in late August or early September. The flowers bloom in late July or early August and stay brilliant for approximately 30 days. Young pre-bloom plants track the sun throughout the day and turn back, making it an end of summer vacation for the Missouri River area.

South Dakota covers roughly 50 sunflower fields, with the 2021 sunflower growing season beginning with a dry spring planting in June followed by heat and drought conditions until mid- to late October. South Dakota consistently ranks as one of the world’s top sunflower producers, making late summer an amazing time to experience gorgeous yellow fields.

Sunflower fields tend to be in peak bloom in early August, but they can be difficult to find due to farm changes. The bulk of sunflower harvest in South Dakota occurs in October, and the state consistently ranks as one of the world’s top sunflower producers.

Crop insurance policies for sunflower are available until October 31. Generally, dates from May 15 to June 25 will give the best yields, but planting dates before or after June 15 are recommended. North Dakota retained its top producer spot among states in 2023, harvesting a total of 1.12 billion pounds of sunflowers, that was 16.2.

South Dakota and North Dakota have been reported to bring in record or near-record yields in sunflower production, with some fields turning to a striking yellow as they explode with blooming sunflowers.

What month are sunflowers ready to harvest?

Sunflower seeds take a month to mature after the flowers open, or 80 to 140 days after sowing. They can be harvested from July through October, depending on the planting date and the variety. Harvesting sunflower seeds is a delicate balance, as early harvests may result in small, tasteless kernels, while late harvests may cause birds and wildlife to delay the harvest. Some sunflower varieties mature faster than others, but there are certain signs to look for when deciding if the seeds are ready to be picked. These include dry, drooping blooms, yellowing leaves, yellowish-brown flowerheads, and withering petals. These are key signs that indicate the sunflowers are ready to be picked.

What month is best for sunflowers?

Sunflower seeds should be planted between April and May in 10cm pots of peat-free, multi-purpose compost. Cover the pots with a plastic bag and place them in a warm spot for optimal germination. Once the seedlings emerge, harden them off gradually for two to three weeks before planting them outdoors. If your garden has a lot of slugs and snails, consider potting them into larger pots of fresh compost and hardening them before planting them.

This will make the plants more resilient to slugs and snails. Plant seedlings when the soil has warmed considerably and the frost risk is gone. Monty Don’s giant sunflower trial is a great example of how to sow sunflower seeds.

Where are the fields of sunflowers in South Dakota?

The Missouri River offers a variety of sunflower fields, with popular locations including Highway 34 west of Pierre and Highway 1804 near Akaska. Sully County, known for its sunflower production, has been the nation’s top producer for years. Visitors can capture lasting family memories and photos in these fields, as well as upland bird hunting in Central SoDak. The location of these fields can vary annually due to weather and crop rotations.

Where is the best place to find sunflowers?

Sunflower fields are abundant in the Midwest, with producers in South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Texas. South Dakota is currently claiming the top producer title for the second consecutive year, with planted numbers indicating they may reclaim it next year. Sunflowers are a unique and beautiful crop, and North Dakota is proud to be a part of growing them. They will be in prime bloom for about another 10 days, with blooming times varying across the state.

If an Ag Tourism trip isn’t feasible, sunflower farmers can be followed on social media or live vicariously through posts. The yellow blooms will dominate the feeds, and sunflower enthusiasts are encouraged to share their photos of sunflowers they visit near them.

How to tell if a sunflower is ready to harvest?

After the sunflowers have died back completely and the backs of the blooms are brown, it’s time to harvest the seeds. Cut the stalk with sharp scissors or pruners and place them in a container to catch loose seeds. De-seed the sunflower blooms, either wearing gloves or not, and rub the seed head over a bucket to catch the seeds. You may also get petals and other sunflower matter in with the seeds, which will be removed later.

If you plan to re-plant the seeds or make suet cakes, rinse them in a colander and remove any non-seeding bits and pieces. Line a shallow cardboard box or wooden crate with newspaper and paper towels and scatter the seeds in a single layer to dry, leaving space between each seed. Allow the seeds to dry for several hours or overnight. If you’re saving seeds for re-planting, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.

How long are sunflowers in season?

Sunflowers bloom during summer and autumn, with annual sunflowers blooming for a few weeks and perennial sunflowers lasting 8-12 weeks. To plant, sow seeds outdoors after frost has passed, or indoors if short-lived. Perennial sunflowers should be planted in spring or fall. Seed spacing varies, with giant sunflowers 2 to 3 feet apart, and smaller annual types 6 inches apart for cut flower gardens. Both types provide non-stop flowers until the first frost.

What state has the best sunflowers?

Kansas is known as the sunflower state due to its ideal climate and diverse soils. Sunflowers, native to North America, thrive in Kansas, where they can be found in every county. They require abundant sunshine and can survive in various environments, such as soils, clays, and sands. Sunflowers also play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing a tasty snack for animals like squirrels, rabbits, and deer. Insects like bees and butterflies pollinate the flowers, while cattle benefit from sunflowers as an ingredient in feeds.

Do you pull sunflowers out at the end of the season?

When removing sunflowers from an horticultural setting, it is recommended that the stem be cut a few inches above the soil level. This practice allows for the roots to decay within a month or two, facilitating the removal of the plant without the need to remove excessive soil with the roots.

Do you cut down sunflowers after they bloom?

The need for pruning your sunflowers depends on their type. Annual sunflowers, which only bloom once, don’t need pruning. Perennial sunflowers, which grow back every year, can be pruned to maintain a manageable height and neater appearance. A good rule of thumb is to prune them back to half their size in late spring or early summer, then cut them back by about a third in June or July. Avoid pruning once buds start forming to prevent them from blooming.

Remove dead or damaged growth throughout the growing season. For a neater appearance, prune them to your desired shape. Sterilize your pruning shears beforehand to prevent disease spread. For more information, including how to cut off sunflowers for a bouquet, read on.

When should I pull my sunflowers?

1. Harvest when the seeds are plump and developed.
2. Harvest when the flower petals begin to dry out and fall off.
3. Harvest when the back of the flower turns from green to yellow.
4. Harvest when the back of the flower is brown.
5. Choose a method for collecting seeds.
6. Let seeds develop on the stem, harvesting when they loosen. Cover the heads with netting or paper bags to protect the seeds from birds.
7. Harvest the head when outer seeds are mature and inner seeds begin to ripen. Cut off the stalk and hang upside down in a warm area covered in a paper sack until seeds mature.
8. Enjoy your harvest! You can eat them immediately, roast them with salt, or save some for planting next season. Store sunflower seeds in a sealed container for 2-3 months or up to a year if kept in the freezer.

Why does South Dakota have so many sunflowers?

South Dakota sunflower producers are enjoying the crop due to its deep tap root, which allows it to access moisture deeper than most other plants, making it suitable for dry weather. The crop is successful in central South Dakota due to its familiarity with wheat and corn rotations, and its ability to withstand the dry environment. South Dakota has seen higher sunflower production than North Dakota in four out of the last five years and high yield per acre in eight out of the last ten years.