Former Nyeri nominated MCA Patrick Mutahi Muthoni has taken to Facebook to provide detailed guidance on monitoring and harvesting sunflowers.

In his post, Mutahi outlined the key indicators of sunflower maturity, noting that the flower heads’ color will change from green to yellow or brown. This color shift signifies that the sunflowers are ready for harvest.

For manual harvesting, Mutahi recommended using a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the sunflower heads when the seeds are mature. He advised allowing the heads to dry in a well-ventilated area for one week before threshing, though this step is optional.

For threshing, Mutahi suggested manually removing seeds by rubbing the heads or hitting them against a hard surface to release the seeds.

To ensure the seeds remain in good condition, the former MCA emphasized the importance of proper storage. He recommended storing the seeds in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place to prevent mold or insect damage. Containers such as burlap sacks, which allow for airflow, are ideal for this purpose.