How long after flowering does the seed on a sunflower take ?

Asked by martynregan (2

) August 31st, 2008

I have been growing sunflowers this year and the flowers have been dead for a few weeks now, but the seeds in the middle do not seem to be changing into the seeds yet

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3 Answers

Be patient. They will dry out as the day gets shorter and the air dryer. But be careful; the birds (goldfinches, for example) may harvest the seeds before you.

gailcalled (54644

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Actually, if the birds harvest the seeds then they will drop little sunflower presents for you to enjoy in future years. I used to love letting them have the seeds as a fall treat and prep for winter scarcity.

marinelife (62485

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But then when the little sprigs flower (in the spring here) the rabbits come out for the free salad bar. Or the squirrels and chipmunks dig up the seeds.

gailcalled (54644

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