On 09/24/2016 02:05 PM, T wrote:
Hi All,

I had a sunflower grow wild in my garden this year.
I have watched several videos on how to grow them on
You Tube, but I am confused as to when to cut
the flowers off the stems and what to do with
them afterwards.

The flower is currently past to pollination stage
and is pointing at the ground. The buds are starting
to fall off and the seeds are starting to show
when they do.

I ask this because aphids have discovered the plant
and I want to cut it down as soon as possible.

Many thanks,
-T


Found this:

http://texasbutterflyranch.com/2012/...-how-to-do-it/


Here’s how to harvest sunflower seeds:

1. Wait for the heads to drop, all the sunflower petals
have fallen off, and the backside of the sunflower
has turned yellow or even brown.

2. Cut about a foot of stalk off the top.

3. Scrape the seeds out with a spoon or butter knife, as
shown in the video above, OR if you’re more patient,

Put a net or brown paper bag over the flower head
and wait for the seeds to drop on their own.

4. Air dry for future use.