cht@mit-eddie.UUCP (Chester Liu) (07/24/85)
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Can anyone tell me how to properly pick sunflowers so the seeds don't
rot or become dead?
My sunflowers have already ripened and turned brown and the petals have fallen
off. What is the next step?
Thanks.nemo@rochester.UUCP (Wolfe) (07/25/85)
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ > Can anyone tell me how to properly pick sunflowers so the seeds don't > rot or become dead? > My sunflowers have already ripened and turned brown and the petals have fallen > off. What is the next step? > Thanks. (nice picket fence ya got there) I just chop the whole flower off with as little stem as possible and put them in a warm, dry place where squirrels, birds and insects can't get at them (the shelf by the back window of a car is good place to dehydrate things that aren't too heat sensitive). Brush off the petals and the little goobers that stick out fron the seeds so that the seeds are exposed to the air. You can either leave them on the flower (in which case the extra moisture of the flower and the insects it may have could be a problem, but usually not) or you can knock the seeds off (it's very easy when they are dried, and even pretty easy when they are fresh). The main thing is to get the seeds dry as soon as possible. By the way, the place where you cut the flower will probably ooze some sunflower sap, which is sticky stuff you probably don't want in your car or wherever, so it's a good idea to put them on a paper bag or the like to protect the surface they're on. I usually leave most of mine on the flower to feed the cardinals in the winter, but knock the seeds off a couple for roasting and human consumption (mine). Roasting may be preceded by salting, but I usually don't. Put a monolayer on a cookie sheet and place in a low oven (say 300F). Check frequently, poking and stirring so they are evenly cooked. It usually takes only 5-10 min. Remember that they cook a little more once they are out of the oven, and that you can always put them back in to cook a little longer, but it's dam hard to cook them a little less.... Enjoy, Nemo (We also leave a couple on the stalk because they look neat with snow on them and the birds like them that way, too) -- Internet: nemo@rochester.arpa UUCP: {decvax, allegra, seismo, cmcl2}!rochester!nemo Phone: [USA] (716) 275-5766 work, 232-4690 home USMail: 104 Tremont Circle; Rochester, NY 14608 School: Department of Computer Science; University of Rochester; Rochester, NY 14627