How to Cut and Prepare Sunflowers: A Step-by-Step Guide

We are counting down the days until our annual Sunflower Festival! In honor of the upcoming festival, we thought we would do a quick how-to on cutting and caring for the sunflowers that you get here at Lee Farms. If you’re coming to the farm for the day, we highly recommend cutting your sunflowers as one of the last activities you do here at our farm so you can take them home and get them in some water. But here's a detailed guide on how to cut and prepare your sunflowers for the best results!

Step 1: Head to the U-Cut Field

When you’re ready to cut your flowers, venture into the u-cut field, which is the field by the chickens. Look for the tent within the field that has clippers. Be careful, they’re sharp!

Step 2: Cutting Your Sunflowers

For Single Bloomed Varieties:

• Cut your sunflower at a 45-degree angle.

• For single stem plants, feel free to cut down as far as you would like.

For Multi-Branching Varieties:

• Cut at a 45-degree angle approximately 12” down (even if it includes multiple blooms—you won’t be charged extra for the additional blooms if the stem is short).

• If you cut an entire stock (more than 12”) of the multi-branching variety, you will be charged for multiple blooms.

Step 3: Visit the Water Station

Proceed to the water station located at the entrance to the field (white tent). Once you’ve cut your beautiful blooms, Lee Farms staff will put all of your blooms in either a plastic bag(s) full of water or a decorative French pail (additional cost). We will give your blooms a fresh cut before putting them in water so they soak up and bounce back immediately!

Step 4: Caring for Your Sunflowers at Home

When you get home, give your blooms a fresh cut (about 1/2 inch). Transfer them to their new home and do not place them in direct sunlight. Make sure no leaves are in the water and change the water daily. We can’t guarantee how long your cut flowers will last, but if the water is kept clean and at room temperature, your blooms can last up to 10 days to enjoy!

Step 5: Harvesting Sunflower Seeds

After you’ve enjoyed your flowers inside and all of the petals have fallen off, cut the stalk/stem off about 4” away from the head. Store the sunflower head hanging upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated place. After approximately one week, you can rub the seeds out of the sunflower head. You can either save them for next spring for planting or roast them to eat! Cook on a baking sheet at 300 degrees for approximately 15 minutes. You can also use a salt brine if you want salted seeds.

Pricing

One bloom is included with your admission, but feel free to cut more and then purchase additional blooms on your way out at the water station!

Enjoy your visit and happy sunflower cutting!