Seed Saving - Knowledgebase Question

West Hartford, CT
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Question by mpma38a
September 27, 1998
Would like to save seeds from my BIG SMILE sunflower plant to plant next year. What is the best way to keep them till next Spring?


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Answer from NGA
September 27, 1998
You can save sunflower seed by harvesting the seedhead when it droops and the back turns from green to yellowish-tan. Cut with 2-3 feet of stalk and hang the head upside down to dry. When it's reasonably dry the seeds will fall out easily. Rub the seeds out onto a screen and arrange them in a single row to finish drying. Keep the seeds in an area with good air circulation and stir them around occasionally to help with the drying process. When the seeds are thoroughly dry (test by crunching one between your teeth), store them in an airtight container, in a cool, dark location. Plant next spring, after the soil warms up.

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