The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Growing => Gardens => Topic started by: sellickbhoy on May 26, 2009, 10:59:09 am
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Hiya
Just back form a weekend in ireland and i'm guessing it was warm here as my Sunflowers have shot through and are looking grand now!!
they are in pots in the greenhouse and i was thinking about moving them out.
Now, whilst i do have plenty of space for them to go into, i was wondering how well they'll do in pots - and what size of pot will i need for a full size sunflower? I'd like to stick them out the front of the house, but it's all tarmac, so will need to be in pots. But it's a very sunny spot for them.
Failing that, they'll go down at the bottom of the garden against the fence in the raised beds.
Also, how do i go about harvesting/drying the seeds for eating? i quite like them :-)
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A 10ltr pot should do it,but you'll have to water much like toms,and of course tie-in to the wall for support. As for harvesting,wait for the petals to drop,cut the stalk 4 or 5 inches back from the flower head,then hang to dry......Ree
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'growbags' style would work too (on their ends)
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I tried harvesting them for eating - my lord, it's time consuming, especially if you like them shelled! Sorry but I am buying them from the healthfood shop from now on.
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It's not time consuming if you give them to the pigs....................ours luv 'um!
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I didn't know the seeds had shells . Do I need to shell them for my chickens and ducks?
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It'll help the chickens and ducks if you at least crack the shells. I've improvised a pestle and mortar from a post rammer (inverted) and a post. Makes ya feel like a Masai Mara woman pulping bread fruit!! Oh,and it's also rather good for crushing oyster shells collected from the beach........ Ree