Expert: Mike Mascio - 10/14/2006

Question
Can I take the sunflower seeds from my present plants and use the seeds next year for planting?  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Yes you can. You must first allow them to dry completely and then store them for at least three months in a sealed plastic container at approximately 40F. A tupperware container stored in the back of the refrigerator works fine. The reason for this is to simulate the dormant period required for good germination.

Next spring, you can plant them in peat pots or directly into the garden. Do not grow them in regular plastic pots because sunflowers do not like to have their roots disturbed. That's the great thing about peat pots since you plant the entire pot into the ground.

One other thing you should be aware of is that sunflower seeds need stratified to germinate consistently. They have a very hard shell which sometimes will not break down sufficiently. To aid them, you either have to soak them overnight in tepid water just before sowing, or slightly scratch them with light sandpaper. They can take up to three weeks to germinate.

I hope this anwered your quesiton. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike