How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds From a Field

The bright yellow petals and large circular seed heads make the sunflower one of the most recognizable plants. A single sunflower -- depending on the species -- can produce hundreds of small, edible, protein-packed seeds. Aside from a healthy snack, the seeds may also be used to plant more sunflowers or make a homemade birdseed mix.

Pruning shears
Gardening gloves
Bucket
Water
Salt

Instructions

- 1
  Keep an eye on the sunflowers in fall. Perhaps the easiest way to tell if the seeds are ready is if they have black and white stripes, rather than a solid color. Other signs include fallen petals and brown coloring on the backside of the flower.
- 2
  Cut the flower head off the plant, along with approximately 12 inches of the stem. Pruning shears work well for this job.
- 3
  Put on a pair of gardening gloves, and hold the flower over a clean, empty bucket. Rub your hand firmly over the seeds to dislodge them from the flower.
- 4
  Soak the seeds in salt water overnight if you plan to eat them. Use 1/4 cup of salt for every 2 qts. of water. Strain the seeds from the water, and lay them out in a thin layer on clean paper towels to dry. Bake the seeds at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes.

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