Monday, May 31, 2010

sunflowers: peek over seeds










The first attempt last year, ended with the sunflower standing on its leggy stem, with everything turning brown. It was cut and the seeds collected by rubbing the finger across the flower head. But this season is different, because the five sunflowers are big and well exposed. I cant stop myself from keep going back to the flower and peek at seeds. The natural drying process seems to be too gradual..

The sunflower heads remain steady on its stout stems. The yellow petals  had dried up and ready to fall off. The seeds are forming well and very much visible with their black and white stripes. This time round, I wish to cut the flower head early and dry them indoor. Occasional rainfall seem to disturb the natural drying process of the flower heads. The white aphids are trying to establish home within the outer calyx of the flower. Cut them them early and dry them indoor away from the rainfall and the disturbing pests would be a better option.

I am waiting for the right moment to cut the sunflower head.

bangchik
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9 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 31, 2010 1:50 AM

    ah Bangchik, decisions and timings! i'm guessing you are right to cut them early and take indoors if rain is due...

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  2. ElladaMay 31, 2010 5:10 AM

    Hello,
    I wait impatiently for my sunflowers grow. And of course I will give to the birds, the seeds in winter.

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  3. ejaMariaMay 31, 2010 8:01 AM

    kalau dah potong... mau jadi kuaci nih... hehehehe... itu Maria lerrr

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  4. MalarMay 31, 2010 3:51 PM

    Wow! i can see so many seeds! It's good idea to dry it indoors since it's raining everyday.

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  5. Bangchik and KakdahMay 31, 2010 5:34 PM

    hazeltree
    We have done that with papaya, allowing ripening to happen indoor. Papaya is relatively easy... but sunflower isn't my specialty.

    Ellada
    You are lucky to have many birds around... birds over here don't seem to bother sunflower seeds.

    ejaMaria
    Tentu boleh buat kuaci. Tapi itu perlukan satu ladang...

    BANGCHIK

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  6. Bangchik and KakdahMay 31, 2010 5:37 PM

    AaronVFT
    It looks like many seeds will be collected, but we never know, because some may just turn out to be empty shells.

    Malar
    It is good to ripen it indoor, but i am worried about the timing... when best to cut. haha..

    BANGCHIK

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  7. JoanneJune 01, 2010 5:09 AM

    The birds are going to have a feast

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  8. StephanieJune 03, 2010 11:16 AM

    Bangchik, ha ha... for me, it's hard to decide when to cut the flower head. Good luck!

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  9. Bangchik and KakdahJune 06, 2010 8:33 PM

    Joanne ~ BIRDS HERE ARE NOT ACCUSTOMED TO SUNFLOWER SEEDS YET.

    Stephanie ~ ITS HARD TO DECIDE, BUT I WILL CUT ANYWAY...

    BANGCHIK

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