What to do with sunflowers?

[flobadob]

We planted some sunflowers this year though only one really bloomed very well. But now that they have died off what should I do with the heads? Can the seeds be kept and planted again next year or should I just dump them? Do they need to be prepared in any way?

[Tilly2]

Leave them for the birds.

[Iluvspikey]

roast them in the oven and eat them!

[Jumbo747]

Yes the birds will love them or you can dry the seed and plant next year

[ladybirder]

Leave them for the goldfinches and other birds, they love them.

[boxtops]

Take the head off and hang it in the garden for the birds

[flobadob]

I already feed the birds seeds. Can they be planted next year? There are loads of them.

[maggiebee]

Think you'd be disappointed flobadob, better leave them for the birds or stick in the compost.

[flobadob]

Aw, well that's a bit sad.

[jomifl]

A lot of sunflowers are grown around here and after harvesting the birds eat most of the missed seeds. However many germinate next year to produce a 'volunteer' crop, they even grow on the road verges.

[Clanad]

You could try planting them next season, but most sunflowers, at least here in the U.S. are the product of hybridization and aren't likely to sprout and if they do may be something entirely different from what you planted (some other variety of sunflower).

[plautus]

Sorry, but the juxtaposition of "Flobadob" and "Sunflower" will forever remind me of the opening scenes of Bill and Ben till my dying day.

[joko]

just try it... you may as well...you never know, you might get lucky

[flobadob]

Maybe I will joko, I haven't even looked at them for a while so for all I know the birds have already had their way with them.