I cut mine off and put them somewhere to dry. Wind is so bad here almost all mine fall over before the end of June.

You can remove the seeds now and store just the seed. I do that sometimes too, just depends on how much time I have when I cut the heads off.

Just rub the seeds and they'll start falling out. The drier the head the easier they fall out.

I have a problem keeping the birds off mine too, but you can put a stocking (like panty hose) over the tops to keep the birds out.

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I try to take one day at a time -- but sometimes several days attack me at once.
-Jennifer Unlimited-

Thank you for those replies. I did take some of the heads off but left some on in case it was the wrong thing to do. I usually just have robins and sparrows around here, but I did see some interesting little birds on the stalks that i had never seen before. I like that term "volunteer" plants...that made me chuckle . That is how i discovered how easily sunflowers sprouted: I gave my daughter some to eat and she decided to throw them off the balcony to the squirrels, and some landed in my hanging baskets, and sprouted!!

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POBODIES NERFECT

Hi Jesussaves. I don't really know if the worms are "normal", but I dried out a couple of heads and as I was removing the seeds, I found 3 worms. So, I guess it isn't uncommon. I'm curious to know about this, too. Sorry I can't be of more help, but at least you know you're not alone!

I didn't notice any worms in mine but too mine were out along side my tomato patch and I seven dusted out there for tomato worms

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I try to take one day at a time -- but sometimes several days attack me at once.
-Jennifer Unlimited-

does anyone know how they do if planted in the same spot as last year? I'm absolutely hooked on them and can't get enough!
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they should be OK for another season or two. They are pretty heavy feeders and will appreciate some organic matter dug into the soil before planting as they have probably depleted the soil a fair bit this season.
May i suggest an early spring planting of a leguminous crop to dig into the soil just prior to planting the sunflowers, say some peas. Bushing peas if there's no fence to grow them on. It does wonders for cold lifeless soils and they germinate at relatively low temps.
Also cucurbit family plants are great underplant companions for sunflowers and you get to eat the crop. Say some cucumber or similar. They also act as a mulch for the sunflowers as they protect the soil from hot sun. Oops. I'm rabbittin' on a bit. Good luck with 'em.

Thanks for the info Longy. I was thinking about doing pumpkins in the same area as the sunflowers-do you think the two will deplete the soil too much together? I've got limited spaces of full sun, and I really wanted to do pumpkins, but I don't want to sacrifce one for the other.