eating sunflower seeds

[ktarsha]

I have several sunflowers that came up from seed spilled from our birdfeeders. The heads are dying back, so I think the seeds will be ready fairly soon, and I'm wondering if there's any reason I couldn't harvest and eat the seeds, instead of leaving them all for the birds as I've done in the past. If it makes a difference, they sprouted from black oil sunflower seeds - not organic originally, but no chemicals applied on or near the plants themselves.

[ananas]

Subbing to find out the answer to this myself.

[milagras]

I've grown sunflowers for the birds. Leaving them to dry in the garden.

The best way to dry them is on the stalk. Protect the heads from birds with cheese clothe or paper bags (with holes cut for ventilation!). Be careful not to dry them anywhere warm and moist, as mold will grow. Also think about mice if you dry them in a shed etc.

I simply let them dry in the garden. I've harvested seeds for the next year this way too.

Good luck and have fun!!