How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds for Planting

If you're like me, you love sunflowers. They're such happy flowers! They just make you feel good. 

And what's not to love about sunflower seeds? They're delicious and nutritious. 

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What you may not know is that after those sunflower seeds have been planted, they can be harvested and saved for planting next year. Here's how to do it. 

Can you grow sunflowers from the seeds of a sunflower?

When it comes to growing sunflowers, the answer is simple: yes, you can grow sunflowers from the seeds of a sunflower. In fact, that's how most sunflowers are grown. 

Do sunflowers grow back every year?

Sunflowers are actually annuals, which means that they only live for one growing season. However, some types of sunflowers will self-seed, meaning that they will drop their seeds onto the ground and grow back the following year. So while sunflowers may not technically be “everlasting”, they can still bring a touch of summer to your garden year after year.

How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds for Planting

The best time to harvest sunflower seeds is when the flower heads have turned brown and begun to droop. 

Cut the heads off the plant, being careful not to damage the plant itself. 

Once the head is removed, spread them out on a flat surface to dry. This may take a week or two depending on how warm your weather is.

Once they're completely dry, strip the seeds from the head by hand. 

Place the seeds in a paper bag and label with the seed name and date.  Store them in a cool, dark place until you're ready to plant them. 

That's all there is to it! Harvesting sunflower seeds is easy and fun. Plus, it's a great way to save money on your gardening costs next year.