Frequently Asked Questions About Sunflower Seeds
Can I buy bulk sunflower seeds online?
Yes! At Main Street Seed and Supply, high-quality bulk non-GMO seeds are our specialty, and that includes sunflower seeds! You can start with our offer size, which is our cheapest and smallest option, perfect for checking us out before making a bigger purchase. Our bulk sunflower seed options start at 1/4lb and go all the way up to 10lbs for those who need to plant a lot of sunflowers.
When is the best time to plant sunflower seeds?
Many of our customers are curious about when to plant sunflower seeds. The best time is when the ground is warm. You can time it about two to three weeks after the last frost, when spring is in full force. Sunflower seeds need soil to be around 70 to 85 degrees to germinate, so be patient and sow seeds when the weather is on your side. You can start seeds indoors during the last frost to get a head start on this process.
How do I start sunflower seeds indoors?
If you are starting your sunflower seeds indoors, plant the seeds in peat pots with 3 to 4 inches of space between each group of 3 seeds. Water the seeds every day and continue once the seedlings emerge. When you transplant the seedlings, be sure to water the soil generously and continue to water frequently through the season.
How do I plant sunflower seeds?
If you are planning to start outside, this is how to plant sunflower seeds directly in the soil. Plan out the space you want to dedicate to your sunflowers. Sunflowers require a lot of space to grow, so you will need to plan for that in advance.
Plant sunflower seeds at a depth of about 1/2 inch. Plant about three seeds in each spot and leave 6 inches of space between seed groups. If you are planting in rows, allow 2 or 3 feet of space between each row. Once you've planted all your sunflower seeds, water the soil generously. Continue to water the soil every day until you start to see seedlings. Once seedlings emerge and the sunflowers are growing strong, you can reduce their water to once or twice a week. Thin your seedlings once they have their first leaves to give the remaining seedlings enough room to grow.
When do I harvest sunflower seeds?
Now that you have a beautiful array of sunflowers, it's time to enjoy the sunflower seeds! We usually suggest checking for seeds around the end of summer to early fall. You'll want to keep an eye out, as birds will be quick to harvest your sunflower seeds before you get the chance.
How do I harvest sunflower seeds?
To harvest sunflower seeds, first examine your sunflowers. If the petals are starting to dry and the seeds are facing the ground, this is a good indicator the seeds are ready for harvest. Cut the seed head with part of the stem and hang in a warm and dry location. You can harvest sunflower seeds now or wait until the head turns brown in color, at which point harvesting is much easier and faster. The sunflower seeds will naturally fall out as the head dries out, so you can place a bowl, bag, net or bucket underneath your sunflower head to catch the seeds as they fall. When the sunflower head is dry enough, you can also brush or rub the seeds out rather easily.
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