What's the difference between harvesting sunflower seeds for eating vs. for replanting next year?

I have giant sunflowers though only one has flowered so far. We may have had too much rain for them to grow right this year. The others are a good 2-3 feet shorter than the 10-12' mammoth that flowered. It's head has already fallen. How do I know when it's ready to cut for the seeds?





Can I harvest the seeds from this flower for replanting next year? Are they edible? How do I do these things?





Thanks for all your help!

What's the difference between harvesting sunflower seeds for eating vs. for replanting next year?
Harvest begins in mid-September and can run into October. A check of the flower head will indicate maturity; florets in the center of the flower disk are shriveled, heads are downturned, and a lemon yellow color is on the backside. Pull a few seeds and split them with a knife to check if seed meat has filled. Poorly filled seeds may be due to a lack of pollinating insects.


To harvest, cut the seed head with about a foot of stem attached and hang in a warm, dry, well-ventilated, rodent and insect-free place. A paper bag with holes or cheesecloth can be placed over the heads to catch falling seeds as they drop during drying. Seed heads can be allowed to ripen on the plant, but cheesecloth or nylon netting will be needed for bird protection. Once the seed is dried, it can be rubbed easily from seed heads. Humidity levels must be kept low to prevent spoilage.





Raw mature seeds may easily be prepared at home by covering unshelled seeds with salted water (2 qts. of water to 1/4 to 1/2 cups salt). Bring to a boil and simmer two hours or soak in a salt solution overnight. Drain and dry on absorbent paper.


Put sunflower seeds in a shallow pan in a 300 degree F oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Take out of oven and add one teaspoon of melted butter or margarine to one cup of seeds. Stir to coat. Put on an absorbent towel. Salt to taste.
Reply:none you either eat them or plant them or if you,ve got a rabbit or guinea pig give it to them

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