It turns out growing sunflowers is way easier than I thought — and now that I’ve got a few going strong, I’m officially hooked. They’re low-maintenance, love full sun (hello, Florida), and they grow fast enough to be super satisfying. Whether you’re after the seeds, want to feed the birds, or just want to enjoy those giant cheerful blooms, sunflowers deliver.
Once the flower fades and the head matures, that’s where the real magic starts. The center of the head is packed with seeds — those are what you’ll harvest, snack on, save for next season, or share with your backyard wildlife. The petals usually fall off as it finishes blooming, and the back of the head starts to turn yellow or brown when it’s ready to be cut. Inside, those seeds are tucked into little honeycomb-looking pockets, and trust me — once you run your hand over one, you’ll get why this part is so satisfying.
There’s a lot you can do with a sunflower head once it’s done blooming — and not a single part has to go to waste.
What you do with a sunflower head depends on whether you want to eat the seeds, save them for planting, feed wildlife, or just enjoy it as decoration. Here’s a breakdown of all your options:
🌻 1. Harvest the Seeds for Eating
How:
- Wait until the back of the sunflower head turns yellow to brown and the seeds are plump and stripey.
- Cut the head off, leave a few inches of stem, and hang it upside down in a dry, airy spot.
- Rub the seeds out by hand or with a brush once they’re fully dry.
- Rinse, salt (if desired), and roast at 300°F for 30–40 minutes.
🌱 2. Save the Seeds for Planting
How:
- Same as above, but pick the biggest, healthiest-looking seeds.
- Dry thoroughly, then store in a cool, dark, dry place in a labeled envelope or jar.
- Good for up to 2–3 years if stored well.
🐦 3. Feed Birds & Wildlife
Two ways:
- Hang the whole dried head outside and let birds snack right off it.
- Or remove the seeds and scatter them in a bird feeder or on the ground.
Bonus: Squirrels, chickens, and ducks love them too.
🎨 4. Use as Decoration or Craft Material
- A dried sunflower head can be beautiful in a rustic bouquet or fall wreath.
- Kids love using them in nature crafts or as nature “paint stamps.”
♻️ 5. Compost It
- Once the seeds are removed, you can toss the empty head into your compost pile or worm bin.
- It’s high in carbon, so balance with green materials like veggie scraps.