How to Save Sunflower Seeds to Plant the Following Spring

Harvesting

• 1

  Check the back of the sunflower blossom heads for the proper harvesting color. If the back of the head is still green, the plant is not ready for harvesting.

• 2

  Check the back of the sunflower blossom head again in a few days. When the head turns yellow, cover it with a large paper bag. This will keep birds and squirrels from stealing your harvest before it is ready.

• 3

  Remove the bag every day to check the blossom head color. When the head turns brown, cut the blossom from the stalk. Leave a foot or two of stalk on, connected to the bloom.

Drying Seeds

• 4

  Lay sunflowers on a flat surface in a dry, protected area. A workshop or garage away from rodents would work well. Leave the sunflower heads to dry out.

• 5

  Rub the flat of your hand against the bloom of the dried flower. This will loosen and remove the seeds. Do this over a counter or table.

• 6

  Collect the seeds together. Put the seeds into a lunch paper bag. Fold the top of the bag over.

• 7

  Store the bag in a dry, dark place.

• 8

  Mark the bag with a pen or marker naming the type of sunflower seed you are storing.