To know when a sunflower head is ready to harvest, check the tiny flowers in the center. If they’re still tightly attached or don’t brush off easily, the seeds need more time to mature. It’s fascinating to see the vibrant array of colors in sunflower centers, though these colors fade as they dry, as shown in the photos comparing dried and fresh flowers.
We’re excited to harvest so many seeds that will produce even more sunflowers next season. Students and volunteers are helping us collect the sunflower heads, which are now drying in the Lee Middle greenhouse, waiting for the time when kids can plant them again and watch them grow.
