How to Save Sunflower Seeds for Growing

Dry sunflowers on the stem. Place paper bags over the heads when the back sides have turned yellow and the petals have fallen off. Replace a bag with another one if it rains or if the bag gets soggy from dew. Keep flower heads covered until the back sides of the heads have turned brown.

Cut off the brown heads with clippers, one foot down on the stem.

If birds or other animals begin to take the seeds before the heads turn brown, you can remove the flower heads earlier, when the backs begin to yellow. Dry early harvested heads in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place. Cover the seed heads with a paper bag if drying in an outdoor spot, such as a shed, where animals could have access.

Harvest completely dry sunflowers by gently running your hand over the heads to pop out the seeds. Pop out the seeds over a newspaper spread flat. If the seeds do not release easily from the head, wait to harvest until they do. Seeds should be fat and hard to the touch.

Form a funnel with the seed-laden newspaper. Pour the seeds into a jar or other container that can be sealed. Store as many seeds as you want to plant in a dry place for use the next year. Spread the rest outside for the birds, or eat them yourself: Soak seeds in salt water overnight, roast in a single layer on a cookie sheet at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for three hours, and store in an airtight container.

Start germinating the sunflower seeds a few weeks before planting in the spring by placing them between damp, not wet, paper towels. Check the seeds regularly. Plant them when they begin to sprout, after the danger of frost has passed.