- 1). Harvest the sunflowers when the back of the head turns color from green to yellow. Use large pruning shears to cut off the stalks approximately one foot behind the head.
- 2). Tie the ends of the stalk with a length of twine to temporary lines made of wire strung above the ground and across the drying area. The heads are hung upside down and placed approximately 4 to 6 inches apart. Choose a dry area where the air circulation is very good.
- 3). Place panty hose or an old loosely woven sock around the sunflower head and secure with a rubber band to catch seeds as they fall out while drying. Leave the area around the toe of the sock around the sunflower head with enough room for the seeds to fall.
- 4). Dry the sunflower heads for approximately four weeks or until completely dry to the touch. Some seeds will have fallen out of the sunflower heads when completely dry.
- 5). Hold the sunflower by the end of the stalk and beat the head lightly against a clean sheet pegged to the ground with a hammer. Shake the stalk vigorously before removing the sock. Tap the sunflower head against the sheet to remove stubborn seeds.
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