Sunflower seeds

[scared55]

May be a stupid question, but I shall ask it anyway.

I know from bitter experience that mixed seeds bought for birds will germinate and grow, doing very interesting things to lawns.

We provide loads of black sunflower seeds for our local wild bird populations, and I have in mind to plant sunflowers amongst a patch of sweetcorn (it is done with maize all the time in SW Tanzania, so I thought we would give it a try). The question is, are the sunflower seeds that we buy commercially for our feathered friends

1. likely to germinate and produce worthwhile flowers
2. likely to germinate but not produce the kinds of flowers we are looking for, or
3. likely to be sterile?

Thanks, all

KK

[Two_Sheds]

I don't buy sunflower seeds, I sow those from mixes of birdseed that I get my parrot, esp. black ones. The flowers I get are a mixture - not a good crop this year, the gales did for them early on, flattened all bar two plants.

[scared55]

Thanks, Two_Sheds. I shall certainly give that a try. Any thoughts on preparation and timing?

KK

[Tigerella]

Hi

I would have thought that commercial sunflower seeds will be a variety that produces seed quickly, probably not so tall.

Tigerella

[rustylady]

Believe me, sunflower seeds sold as birdfood germinate and grow like wildfire! I've never found them to fail, they grow in the lawn, in the border, and wherever else they fall. I haven't bought sunflower seeds for years and they've always produced good seedheads which the birds love. (I even get goldfinches in the garden in autumn and winter feeding on them).

[scared55]

That'll do me. Thanks, Rustylady

KK

[Snadger]

Thanks, Two_Sheds. I shall certainly give that a try. Any thoughts on preparation and timing?

KK

Well, you'll need a cage first...then the parrot!