Sunflowers are a classic addition to any garden, known for their bright, cheerful faces and towering stalks. While their aesthetic appeal is undeniable, the mature seeds they produce are a dense, calorie-rich food source that attracts many species of birds, particularly finches and doves. Protecting your crop from these hungry visitors requires proactive, targeted strategies to ensure you are the one enjoying the harvest.
Physical Barriers Applied to Flower Heads
Physical barriers are the most effective method for protecting ripening sunflower seeds. This strategy is best employed once the petals have begun to dry and fall, signaling that the seed-filling process is underway and pollination is complete. Fine mesh materials, such as cheesecloth, tulle fabric, or nylon hosiery, work well because they are breathable, allowing air circulation to reach the head.
Proper ventilation prevents moisture accumulation, which can lead to mold and rot. Secure the material tightly around the stalk’s neck just below the head to prevent birds from accessing the seeds from below. A paper bag can also be used, but it may require cutting small holes for air movement, especially in humid climates.
A lightweight wire cage, fashioned from chicken wire or hardware cloth, offers a sturdy, reusable shield. The covering must create space between the material and the seed face, making it impossible for birds to peck the kernels. Wait until the flower head starts to droop or the back of the head begins to turn pale yellow or brown to protect the seeds during their most vulnerable stage.
Visual and Movement-Based Deterrents
Visual and movement-based deterrents discourage birds from the sunflower patch by exploiting their natural wariness of erratic motion and sudden changes in light. Reflective materials, such as strips of Mylar tape or old compact discs (CDs), create disorienting flashes of light as they move in the breeze.
This constant movement and flashing suggest instability, making the area less appealing for birds to land and forage. Holographic flash tape is an inexpensive option that can be tied to nearby stakes or the sunflower stalks. Hanging aluminum foil strips or pie plates produce a similar, unsettling effect when they catch the sunlight.
Placing fake predators, like plastic owls or hawk-shaped kites, can also be used. However, birds are intelligent and quickly become accustomed to any static threat. To remain effective, these visual deterrents must be moved frequently, ideally every few days, to maintain surprise and prevent birds from recognizing them as harmless fixtures.
Knowing When to Harvest
Harvesting promptly at the right stage reduces the time seeds remain vulnerable on the stalk. Sunflowers are ready for harvest when the bright yellow petals have dried and fallen away, and the large green calyx on the back of the head has transitioned to a yellow-brown color.
The head’s position is another reliable indicator; the weight of the mature seeds causes the head to hang downward, naturally protecting the seeds from the elements. At this stage, the seeds are plump, slightly loose in their sockets, and the kernels are fully developed, though they still contain high moisture content.
To harvest, cut the head from the main stalk, leaving approximately 12 inches of stem attached. This stem is used when curing the heads indoors away from birds and pests. Hang the heads upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated space to complete the drying process, ensuring the seeds fully cure and are preserved.