DIY Sunflower Seeds

Grow Sunflowers and Harvest Seeds

• 1

  Buy sunflower seeds to plant from any local greenhouse. These seeds are sized with 2 being the largest and 5 being the smallest. Purchase seeds that are sizes 3 or 4; most seeds are this size anyway.

• 2

  Plant seeds anytime between April to mid-July, or when the soil's temperature reaches at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Insert a probe thermometer 2 inches into the soil to take the temperature. Place the sunflower seeds about 1 1/2-inches apart and about 1-inch deep in an area that receives plenty of sun with well-drained soil. Soil that is sandy or even has a little bit of clay is fine for sunflowers as well. Avoid soil that holds a high water content.

• 3

  Expect to see little sprouts four to five days after planting. It might take a bit longer if you buried them deeper than 1 inch into the soil. Sunflowers will be in full bloom about two months later, and reach maturity roughly a month after that.

• 4

  Keep an eye on the sunflower heads after they become a rich yellow color. They are technically mature at this point but you want to wait before harvesting them. The seeds are ready for harvest when the back of the heads are brown and dry. Look for plump black seeds and for most of the flower petals to have fallen off.

• 5

  Remove seeds from flower by rubbing the flower head with your hand. Eat them as they are or add some flavor. Roast them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes. Let them cool when they reach a golden brown. Stir with some tablespoons of butter and a few pinches of salt before eating.

Sunflower Cookies

• 6

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir the sunflower margarine, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Include the eggs and vanilla and mix well.

• 7

  Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Add this to the first mixture. Stir briefly before adding the rolled oats, coconut and sunflower kernels.

• 8

  Scoop with a tablespoon and place the little spheres on an ungreased baking sheet. Place in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.