Comments on: Autumn Harvest: Saving Sunflower Seeds

By: c_maciel

c_maciel — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:26:00 +0000

Deborah, You say you grew 25 – 50 sunflowers…that’s
great! I thought I was doing a lot growing 13-15 different varieties.
Would you share the name of the ones you grew and maybe use photos?

I am always looking for more interesting and reliable varieties.
This year I can say right now that Evening Sun is not worth growing: the flowers are small and an orangy-brown mix. I must add, though one plant had large red-brown flowers which are very nice.

Best for me so far is ‘lemon chiffon’, ‘Lemon Queen’, ‘Italian White’ & ‘Vanilla Ice’.
Evening Sun photo enclosed.
Thanks.
Chris

By: Stuart Naylor

Stuart Naylor — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 16:57:00 +0000

We had one giant this year along with many smaller sunflowers. Next summer we’ll have a fortress of sunflower giants around the yard. They are awesome to watch grow, especially after they reach about four feet.

By: deborah crowe

deborah crowe — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:52:00 +0000

i worked for a plant nursery for some time.. one commen complaint was how small the second generation sunflower heads were..some to most, just wild sunflower size (4 to7 inches).. my boss (science genius) said, most of the time, second generation mammoth grows back to its smaller genus ancestor.. (90 percent of the time).. i would like to know how the commercial growers continue the bloodline, i have googled and they do not tell us that secret. If you find out please let me know.. I am a giant sunflower fan.. i grow 25 to 50 every year to photograph. ps. just rub the heads together seed side facing.. they pour right out.. thanks for the article.. your pictures are beautiful.. you can see some of my sunflowers on my banner in etsy “croweapple” is my store.. take care.

By: Froglipsrgood8

Froglipsrgood8 — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 15:39:00 +0000

First time growing them, I’ll never go back! I have autumn beauty’s and mammoths

By: Lancerwrx40

Lancerwrx40 — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:30:00 +0000

My sunflower, I like your eyes too.

By: Lancerwrx40

Lancerwrx40 — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:28:00 +0000

thank for your information

By: Lancerwrx40

Lancerwrx40 — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:28:00 +0000

thank for your information

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:21:03 +0000

Thanks so much, Sayward! Yes, they were quite impressive, so glad I took pics while they were still upright. I’ve had all the tallest ones since snap off at the stalks in a wild Hoosier wind, so I’ve got my work cut out. Happy Autumn, All!

By: Sayward

Sayward — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:52:04 +0000

@ Michelle Mindak – 12′, WOW those must be stunning. To save the seeds all you need to do is remove them from the flower head (can be kind of a pain in the butt actually) and then let them dry out completely. Sun dried is best, but any warm spot will do. Lay them out in a single layer so they dry evenly.

Once they’re all dry just store them in a packet or jar till next spring! (or shell them and EAT THEM, haha) It’s really that easy. Luck!

By: Michelle Mindak

Michelle Mindak — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:32:52 +0000

Your sunflowers and seed saving tips are very helpful, thank you. I live in NW Indiana, and have (finally) managed to grow a number of 12′+ Russian Mammoth Sunflowers. Recent extreme winds have taken down my two biggest ones, snapping their stems despite my staking efforts. The backs of the flowers have not yet turned yellow, much less brown, but there are lots of seeds formed and the yellow petals are falling off. Is there a way I can still save the seeds for drying, eating and replanting purposes? Your response will be greatly appreciated. I hate to let these beauties go to waste.
Thank you so much,
Michelle