The Joy of Harvesting and Roasting Sunflower Seeds
Sunflowers aren’t just gorgeous, they’re a true homestead powerhouse. At BLeaves Farms, we grow these cheerful giants not just for their beauty, but for the rich, buttery seeds they hide inside. And nothing connects you to the rhythm of the land quite like harvesting and roasting your own sunflower seeds from scratch. If you’ve never done it, this might just become your new favorite seasonal ritual.
Why Grow Sunflowers?
Sunflowers are generous. One plant can yield hundreds of seeds, packed with healthy fats, protein, vitamin E, and minerals like selenium and magnesium. They’re also excellent for pollinators, companion planting, and even natural shade in the garden. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching a sunflower head droop heavy with ripeness at the end of a hot summer.
How to Know When to Harvest
Timing is everything. We wait until the back of the sunflower head turns from green to a dry yellow-brown and the seeds start to loosen with just a gentle rub. The petals will have long since fallen away, and the birds may already be trying to claim their share. If you’ve got birds beating you to the harvest, just cover the heads with a breathable mesh bag or pantyhose until ready. Or better yet, just share like Mother Nature intended.
Harvesting and Drying
Snip the heads off with a few inches of stem left, and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated space. Once completely dry (usually 1–2 weeks), rub the seeds free into a large bowl or tray. Some people wear gloves for this part. It can be a bit sticky and dusty, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
How to Roast Sunflower Seeds (The BLeaves Farms Way)
Once the seeds are cleaned, we soak them in a simple brine: 1/4 cup of sea salt per 4 cups of water, soaking overnight to enhance flavor and make the nutrients more digestible. After soaking, we drain and pat them dry, then roast on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until golden and crisp. You can season them however you like. We love using our BLeaves Farms Five Garden Pepper Blend seasoning, garlic powder, or even maple and cinnamon for a sweet crunch.
Want to Skip the Process? Try Ours!
We now offer BLeaves Farms Small-Batch Roasted Sunflower Seeds, hand-harvested, soaked, seasoned, and roasted to perfection right here on our farm. Supplies are seasonal and limited, so don’t wait if you see them in stock!
Recommended Tools and Supplies
If you’re feeling inspired to try this at home, we’ve gathered our favorite tools to make it simple and enjoyable:
Stainless steel colander (for rinsing seeds)
Final Thoughts
Sunflower seeds are more than just a snack. They’re a celebration of summer, a nod to sustainable living, and a delicious reward for patient growers. Whether you roast your own or enjoy our handmade batch, every seed tells the story of sunshine, soil, and sweat.
Come Grow with Us Online
Want to see our sunflower fields in bloom, watch behind-the-scenes videos of harvest days, or catch tips on how we roast our seeds? Come visit us on social media and be part of the BLeaves Farms journey! We love sharing our process, animals, garden adventures, and all the fun happening on the farm.
TikTok for quick tips, farm fun, and sunflowers dancing in the breeze
Instagram beautiful snapshots of farm life and garden inspiration
Facebook stay up to date with our latest offerings and events
Pinterest save our favorite farm tutorials, recipes, and homesteading tips
We’d love to connect with you and see how your own sunflower stories grow! Don’t forget to tag us when you try our roasted seed recipe or grow your own patch.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through our affiliate links, you support BLeaves Farms at no extra cost to you. Thank you for keeping our farm dream alive.
