HOW TO GROW SUNFLOWERS FOR FOOD

Growing sunflowers starts with choosing the right spot. This is probably the trickiest part of learning how to grow sunflowers. Sunflower buds follow the sun as it treks across the sky each day.
The French word for sunflower is actually “tournesal,” which translates to “turn to the sun.” Once blossoms open, they face e6ast. Consider this when you’re selecting a spot for planting sunflowers.

Taller types of sunflowers cast a long shadow in the garden. In the vegetable garden, plant them on the north side in full sun so they won’t shade other crops. These annual bloomers aren’t picky about soil and even grow in dry, poor soil, which makes growing sunflowers a snap. You don’t have to prep soil too much, but if you can add compost or other organic matter to soil before planting sunflowers, you’ll have even healthier plants.

If you’re growing taller types of sunflowers, consider how you’ll support plants as they zoom toward the sun. Some gardeners sow seeds in a shallow ditch and heap the excavated soil against stems as they grow to provide extra support. Stakes may work, but you need to make sure they’re anchored deeply in soil. A summer thunderstorm with gusty winds can quickly topple tall sunflowers and stakes.

Knowing when to plant sunflowers isn’t difficult. Wait until soil has warmed — around the average last frost date for your region. How to plant sunflower seeds? Tuck them into soil 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Space them more closely — 4 inches apart — if you want more sunflowers and don’t mind a smaller bloom size. If you’re growing sunflowers to raise blossoms for homegrown bouquets, sow some seeds every 10 to 14 days to prolong the flowering period for your crop.

Although sunflowers are drought-tolerant annuals, they thrive when they receive sufficient water. Give them 1 to 2 inches weekly for strong growth. Mulch soil with a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch to keep weeds down and conserve moisture. Sunflowers are sun worshippers and love heat. As summer temperatures sizzle, watch your plants soar

HARVESTING SUNFLOWERS FOR FOOD
Harvest sunflower seeds once the flower has begun to fade. This process is not difficult, but squirrels and birds know this all too well and may clean you out before you can get to them. Once the petals of the sunflower begin to lose their color and the head begins to droop from the weight of the copious seeds, it will take three to four days before the seeds can be easily extracted. To discourage pests, the head of the sunflower may be covered with cheesecloth or a paper bag secured with twine to dry in place. If aggressive birds are a problem, the head may be cut from the stem and brought indoors to dry. Leave about 12 inches of the stem attached to the head, storing it inside a paper bag in a warm, dry place. When the seeds are ready, you should be able to remove them simply by brushing your hand across the face of the flower.

Once harvested, remove any damaged or discolored seeds. Wash seeds thoroughly and allow to dry before eating