Sunflower: Edible Snackseed by Renee's Garden

EXCLUSIVE – Our Snack Seed sunflower was developed by expert sunflower breeder Dr. Tom Heaton for bountiful harvests of delicious, plump seed kernels that make tasty and nutritious eating. These beautiful, classic garden sunflowers have tall, strong stalks of big flower faces with golden petals surrounding green center disks. They mature into heavy heads of large seeds with especially sweet nutty flavor. Easy to dry yourself and enjoy as tasty, fiber-rich snacks, or use them to feed delighted birds.

EASIEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Plant in full sun when weather is above 50°F (10°C) both day and night and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well worked, fertile soil 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart. Press soil over seeds and keep moist as seedlings emerge. When seedlings are 3 inches tall, thin them 12 to 18 inches apart with 3 feet between rows so plants have room to mature.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1 inch deep in individual pots of well-drained seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. Transplant seedlings carefully 12 to 18 inches apart with 3 feet between rows.

GROWING & HARVEST

Cover seeds at planting time with netting or green plastic berry baskets to keep birds from plucking seeds and seedlings from the ground (remove before plants get crowded). Towards midsummer, after sunflowers grow tall and bloom, the flower heads’ outer petals will shrivel and seeds begin to form. Wait until center florets have dried up, indicating pollination is complete, before covering the ripening heads with paper grocery bags to keep birds from picking out the immature seeds. When seeds are dry, plump and fully formed, harvest heads and rub seeds out with thumbs. Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container to keep out insects.