The Best Sunflower Varieties for Harvesting Tasty, Edible Seeds

Sunflowers are a beloved garden flower known for their bright, cheery faces and towering stems. But did you know their seeds are also delicious and nutritious? While all sunflowers produce edible seeds, some varieties have been specially bred for better flavor, larger seeds, and ease of harvesting.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing and enjoying sunflowers for their tasty seeds. From the best seed harvesting varieties to how to roast your own DIY sunflower seeds, you’ll be a sunflower pro in no time!

An Overview of Edible Sunflower Seeds

The seeds inside the flower heads of all sunflower varieties are technically edible. However, there are differences when it comes to seed size, hull thickness, oil content, and flavor that make some sunflowers better for eating.

The two main types of sunflowers grown for their seeds are

• Oilseed sunflowers – These have small black seeds that are pressed into sunflower oil. They have thick hulls and smaller kernels, making them less ideal for snacking.

• Snacking/confection sunflowers – These produce the big, striped seeds we think of for eating. Their seeds have thinner hulls and large, meaty kernels with a tasty flavor.

In general, the black oilseed varieties don’t make good snacks. Their seeds are smaller and take more work to de-hull. Look for sunflower varieties described as “snacking,” “confection,” “conoil,” or “striped” for the best seeds to eat fresh.

Names containing “mammoth,” “giant,” or “jumbo” also often indicate a good seed-producing sunflower.

The Best Sunflower Varieties for Harvesting Seeds

Many excellent sunflower varieties have been specially bred for their large, plump seeds perfect for eating. Here are some top picks:

• Mammoth Grey Stripe – Produces seed heads up to 12 inches across packed with big gray seeds. Grows up to 12 feet tall.

• Mr. Snackman – A favorite for edible seeds with 14 inch heads and big striped seeds. Matures early.

• Snackman – Another great choice bred for seed production over oil. Has large seeds and disease resistance.

• Super Snack Mix – Bears 16 inch heads bursting with extra-large striped seeds. Medium height of 5-7 feet.

• Jumbo Joker – A mammoth variety growing 14-16 feet tall with 12 inch heads. Known for early maturity and high yields.

• Kong – Can produce enormous 1 foot wide seed heads. Seeds are very large and meaty.

• Titan – Grows up to 16 feet with 14 inch heads of big gray and white seeds. Highly productive.

• Royal Hybrid – A shorter sunflower at 5-6 feet tall yet still produces abundant large seeds on 10 inch heads.

Growing Sunflowers for Seed Harvesting

Sunflowers are easy to cultivate as long as they get full sun. Follow these tips for success:

• Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost or sow directly outside after frost danger has passed.

• Space plants 18-24 inches apart in well-draining soil. Sunflowers have long taproots and need room to spread out.

• Water young plants regularly until established. Then water occasionally during drought.

• Stake taller varieties or grow short sunflowers to prevent drooping heads.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again midseason.

• Monitor for pests like birds, squirrels, or insects. Protect ripening seeds with netting.

When and How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds

Follow these steps for harvesting seeds at their prime:

• Allow seed heads to fully mature and dry out completely on the stem before cutting.

• Once dry, remove heads by cutting the stem a few inches below the flower head.

• Place seed heads in a breathable bag and cure for 1-2 weeks in a warm, dry spot.

• To remove seeds, gently rub the flower head over a bucket. Ripe seeds will fall out.

• Pick out debris and store seeds in an airtight container in the fridge.

• For easier shelling, dry seeds overnight in a warm oven or lightly roast before eating.

Enjoying Your Harvest of Tasty Roasted Sunflower Seeds

Once you’ve harvested and shelled your homegrown sunflower seeds, it’s time for the best part – eating them! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your seed bounty:

• Roast with olive oil and salt on a baking sheet at 275°F for 15-20 minutes for homemade roasted sunflower seeds.

• Add seeds to salads, oatmeal, yogurt, trail mix for extra nutrition and crunch.

• Make creamy sunflower seed butter by blending shelled seeds in a food processor.

• Use seeds in wholesome homemade granola bars, energy bites, muffins, or bread.

• Mix into hearty multigrain breads or sprinkle on bagels for a tasty crunch.

• Coat with chocolate or spices for inventive flavored sunflower seeds.

With so many excellent seed-producing sunflower varieties to choose from, growing your own edible seeds can be fun and rewarding. Plan on planting a few striped seed sunflower varieties this year, then reap the rewards with a bountiful seed harvest ready for roasting and crafting into delicious homemade snacks!