Sunflowers Seed Harvest

Recently we talked about growing sunflowers and how much fun they can be to grow with kids.  (CLICK HERE to learn more if you missed that video.)  
Harvesting sunflower seeds can be as much fun as watching the flower grow! ​

A droopy giant sunflower is a sign that it’s time to eat sunflower seeds! When I first started growing them I remember being so upset that it was dying until I learned that’s exactly what you want to have happen.
 
The biggest trick to getting to eat homegrown fresh sunflower seeds is beating the birds and squirrels. Some of our friends cover the sunflower heads with paper bags or cheesecloth but we take our chances by not covering the flower.
 
When the seeds are ready to eat, they actually just pop out in your hands when you rub them.  Another way to know if the seeds are ready is the back of the flower turns banana yellow or brown and the petals dry up. 
 
You can, and should, eat the seeds straight from the flower head. Just rub the fluffy stuff off the seeds first.   ​

Harvesting sunflower seeds can be as much fun as watching the flower grow! ​

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Looking for more great ways to Grow your Enthusiasm in the garden?
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​Our Tip of the Week video series has tons of great ideas to play and learn. Check out our accompanying Sunflower post! 

Sunflowers in YOUR Garden

Sunflowers in YOUR Garden.

Posted by Facebook on Thursday, July 13, 2017

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Lisa Ely

Lisa Ely is a California native and a children's garden enthusiast.  She is the author of Kinder Gardens, a book series focused on teaching kids that being outside and in the garden is a fantastic  form of exercise and educational enrichment. Lisa is also a national guest speaker, avid sportswoman, television producer, mom to two awesome kids, and garden media influencer.