From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
Subject: Re: Sunflower question
Date: 12 Aug 93 15:45:37 -0600

les@cac.washington.edu, Les Pennington writes:

> Now that my sunflowers are 12 ft tall and in full bloom, I am wondering
> what the proper method is to extract the seeds, i. e., do I let the pedals
> drop off then remove and dry the head, or do I let it dry on the plant, or
> ?? Any advice would be appreciated. 

Well, the birds will probably beat you to it... but if you want, wait
till about a week after the yellow "petals" (actually ray flowers)
have died back, then pop a paper bag over each head.  Staple it around
the stem so it won't fall off, but the bag bottom remains open for air
circulation.  Round about killing frost time, cut the stems, remove
the bag and hang the heads indoors until the "seeds" (really fruits)
are dry enough to shell out easily.

Kay (I'm beginning to hate the composites) Klier