What to Do With Sunflower Heads: Tips When Dealing With Sunflower Heads

Sunflower heads can be used in a variety of ways, including:

Harvesting seeds: Mexican Sunflowers produce large, nutritious seeds that can be harvested once the flower head has dried. To harvest the seeds, wait until the flower head has turned brown and the petals have fallen off. Cut the flower head from the stem and hang it upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks until the seeds have fully dried.
Making dried flower arrangements: Mexican Sunflower heads can be dried and used in flower arrangements. To dry the flower heads, cut them from the stem just before they are fully open and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks until they are completely dry. Once the flower heads are dry, they can be used in flower arrangements.
Feeding birds: Mexican Sunflower heads can be left in the garden as a food source for birds. The seeds are a favorite of many bird species, including finches and sparrows.
Composting: Mexican Sunflower heads can be added to a compost pile to add organic matter to the soil. The dried flower heads will break down quickly and add nutrients to the compost.

Table of Contents

Sunflower Uses and DIY Ideas

Decoration

Sunflowers are a popular choice for decorations because of their bright and cheerful appearance. Here are a few ideas for using sunflowers in your decor:

Centerpieces: Arrange sunflowers in a vase with other complementary flowers or greenery for a stunning centerpiece. To create interest, you can also add other decorative elements like candles, rocks, or shells.
Wreaths: Make a sunflower wreath using artificial or real sunflowers. Adding other decorative elements like ribbons, berries, or leaves creates a unique look.
Wall art: Create a sunflower-themed wall art by painting sunflowers on a canvas or creating a sunflower collage using pictures or cutouts.
Table settings: Use sunflowers to decorate your table settings. For a rustic look, you can place sunflowers in small vases or jars or scatter sunflower petals on the table.
Outdoor decor: Place sunflowers in your garden or patio for a pop of color. You can hang sunflower-themed wind chimes or place a sunflower wreath on your front door.
Party decorations: Sunflowers can be used to decorate for various events, including weddings, birthdays, and baby showers. Use sunflowers in your centerpieces, bouquets, or as part of your table settings.

Bird Feeders

Sunflowers are a great choice for making bird feeders because they have large seed heads packed with nutritious seeds. So here’s how to make a sunflower bird feeder:

Choose a sunflower head that has matured and dried out.
Cut a length of string or wire about 2 feet long.
Tie one end of the string or wire securely around the base of the sunflower head, leaving a long tail of string or wire.
Tie the other end of the string or wire to a sturdy branch or hook where you want to hang the feeder.
Fill the sunflower head with birdseed by pouring the seed into the open space in the center of the head.
Hang the feeder in a spot where you can easily observe the birds feeding.

You can also make a more elaborate bird feeder by attaching several sunflower heads to a wooden board and hanging it in a tree. This will attract various birds to your garden and provide them food throughout the year.

Cooking

Sunflower seeds and oil can be used in various recipes and are a great source of nutrients. Here are some ideas for using sunflowers in your cooking:

Roasted sunflower seeds: Spread raw sunflower seeds on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring, until golden brown—season with salt or your favorite spices for a tasty snack.
Sunflower seed butter: Blend roasted sunflower seeds in a food processor until they form a smooth paste. Add a little salt, honey, or maple syrup for flavor. Use sunflower seed butter as a spread on toast or sandwiches or as a dip for fruit and vegetables.
Sunflower seed pesto: In a food processor, blend roasted sunflower seeds, fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Use it as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or sandwiches.
Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil is great for cooking and baking because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. Use it in salad dressings, marinades, sautés, and baked goods.
Sunflower seed granola: Combine oats, honey, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and cinnamon in a bowl. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, occasionally stirring, until golden brown. Serve with yogurt or milk for a delicious breakfast.

Beauty Products

Sunflowers have many beauty benefits and can be used in DIY products. Here are some ideas for using sunflowers in your beauty routine:

Sunflower oil as a moisturizer: Sunflower oil is a great natural moisturizer for the skin, according to Healthline. Apply sunflower oil to your face and body after showering or bathing to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and supple.
Sunflower oil as a hair conditioner: Sunflower oil is also great for hair because it helps seal moisture and prevent breakage. Apply a small amount of sunflower oil to your hair after shampooing, focusing on the ends. Please leave it in for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Sunflower seed scrub: Mix ground sunflower seeds with a little honey or coconut oil to create a gentle exfoliating scrub for your face and body. Apply the scrub to damp skin and massage in a circular motion, then rinse with warm water.
Sunflower petal toner: Boil sunflower petals in water for a few minutes, then strain the liquid and let it cool. Use the toner on your face after cleansing to help balance your skin’s pH and reduce redness.
Sunflower seed face mask: Mix ground sunflower seeds with plain yogurt or honey to create a hydrating and nourishing face mask. Apply the mask to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

Crafts

Sunflowers are a popular theme in crafts and DIY projects, and they can be used to create a variety of beautiful and colorful decorations. Here are some ideas for using sunflowers in your craft projects:

Sunflower wreath: Use a wire wreath frame as a base and attach faux sunflowers and greenery with hot glue. Add a ribbon for hanging and display on your front door or in your home.
Sunflower vase: Decorate a plain glass vase with sunflower stickers or use paint to create a sunflower design. Fill the vase with fresh or faux sunflowers for a beautiful centerpiece.
Sunflower garland: Use twine or ribbon as a base and attach faux sunflowers and greenery with hot glue. Hang the garland on your mantel or use it to decorate a party or event.
Sunflower painting: Use acrylic paints to create a sunflower painting on canvas. You can find tutorials online or create your design.
Sunflower candle holders: Use clear glass candle holders and attach sunflower stickers or paint sunflower designs on the outside. Insert tea light candles for a beautiful glow.
Sunflower Mobile: Create a sunflower mobile using faux sunflowers, ribbon, and a wire hanger. Hang the mobile in a sunny window or outside in your garden.

Seed-saving

Saving sunflower seeds is a fun and rewarding way to preserve the beauty and productivity of your favorite sunflower varieties. Here are some tips for saving sunflower seeds:

Choose healthy plants: Look for sunflowers with strong stems, large flowers, and healthy foliage. These plants are more likely to produce high-quality seeds.
Wait for seeds to mature: Sunflowers produce seeds when the flower head dries and turns brown. Wait until the seeds are fully mature and the petals have fallen off before harvesting.
Harvest the seeds: Use sharp scissors or pruners to cut the flower head off the stem, leaving a few inches of stem attached. Place the flower head in a paper bag or on a clean surface to dry.
Dry the seeds: Allow the flower head to dry completely, which may take several weeks. Once dry, remove the seeds from the flower head by rubbing them gently with your fingers or using a fork.
Store the seeds: Store sunflower seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Label the container with the variety and date of harvest.
Plant the seeds: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil when ready. Plant the seeds in the spring after the last frost, and water regularly until they germinate.

Natural Dye

Sunflowers can be used as a natural dye to create beautiful, warm shades of yellow and brown. Here’s how to use sunflowers as a natural dye:

Gather your materials: You’ll need fresh or dried sunflowers, water, a pot, and a natural fiber fabric or yarn.
Prepare the dye bath: Fill with enough water to cover your fabric or yarn in a pot. Add the sunflowers and bring the water to a simmer. Let the sunflowers simmer for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Strain the dye: Remove the sunflowers from the pot using a slotted spoon or strainer. You can compost the sunflowers or use them for other purposes, such as making sunflower seed oil.
Add your fabric or yarn: Carefully add your fabric or yarn to the dye bath. Make sure that the fabric or yarn is completely submerged in the water.
Simmer the fabric or yarn: Let the fabric or yarn simmer in the dye bath for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you leave the fabric or yarn in the dye bath, the darker the color will be.
Rinse and dry: Remove the fabric or yarn from the dye bath and rinse it thoroughly in cool water. Hang the fabric or yarn to dry in a sunny location.