Sunflower
The sunflower head moth is the major insect pest. The moth attacks at flowering time
with the larvae feeding on floral parts and tunneling through developing seed. Aphids and
whiteflies also can be a problem.
Birds can be troublesome near harvest time. Seeds are exposed and the large flower head
serves as a feeding perch. To deter birds, use frightening devices and human activity in
the immediate area before damage is expected. Flower heads can be covered with plastic
netting or cheesecloth.
Harvesting
Harvest begins in mid-September and can run into October. A check of the flower head
will indicate maturity; florets in the center of the flower disk are shriveled, heads are
downturned, and a lemon yellow color is on the backside. Pull a few seeds and split them
with a knife to check if seed meat has filled. Poorly filled seeds may be due to a lack of
pollinating insects.
To harvest, cut the seed head with about a foot of stem attached and hang in a warm, dry,
annaabi.ee 
