About Black Oil Sunflower Seed
All types of sunflower seeds originate from the common sunflower plant, Helianthus annuus. Many specialized and hybrid flower varieties create different bloom sizes, flower colors, stalk heights, and seed yields. The seeds they produce are similar, however, and sunflower seed is a popular type of birdseed. When compared to striped sunflower seeds, black oil seeds are meatier and have a higher oil content, giving birds more nutrition and calories in every bite. Black oil seeds also have thinner shells, making them easier for small birds to crack.
Birds That Eat Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Without question, black oil sunflower seed is the most popular seed among a wide variety of backyard birds, and most birds will at least sample the seeds even if they prefer other foods. Generally, birds that are native to where sunflowers grow will eat these seeds.
How to Feed Sunflower Seeds to Birds
Sunflower seeds are best offered in hopper, platform, or tray feeders since the seeds are too large for many tube and mesh feeders. Sunflower seeds can also be sprinkled directly on the ground for ground-feeding birds, and dried sunflower heads can be purchased for birds to pluck the seeds directly from a “natural” feeder. Black oil sunflower seeds can be fed as whole seeds and birds will crack the hulls to get at the nutritious meat. This can lead to a large mess of discarded hulls beneath feeders, however, and these discards can also damage or destroy the grass or other landscaping. For neater feeding, many birders opt for hulled sunflower seeds or sunflower chips rather than whole seeds. With these seeds, the only mess will be the occasionally spilled seed for ground feeders to clean up or lightweight chaff that will soon blow away. Hulled seeds can be much more expensive, however, particularly for birders with large, hungry flocks to feed.
Growing Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are the easiest type of birdseed to grow. You can plant seeds directly from your birdseed supply or purchase different varieties of sunflower seeds from nurseries and gardening centers (take care to purchase flower types noted for producing abundant seeds, as some hybrids do not). Roasted seeds that are meant for human consumption, however, will not germinate and should not be used to try to grow birdseed. Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 8-12 inches apart in loose soil and full sun. For the best results, plant sunflower seeds only when the spring is warm and all danger of frost is past. Staggering plantings over several weeks will allow plants to mature at different times and ensure an ongoing supply of ready-to-eat birdseed. Sunflowers can be planted in all types of soil, including deep containers, and supplemental fertilization is not needed. Too much fertilization can decrease the seed yield by damaging the seedlings. Water the seeds every day (twice daily in very hot or dry climates) until the young plants are well established, then water thoroughly every other day. Weeds should be controlled near sunflowers when the plants are very young, but once sunflowers grow several inches tall they will rapidly become established and weeds are no longer a concern. When stalks grow taller than 3 feet, stakes may be needed to ensure they do not topple over during high winds, storms, or when the seed heads become heavy. Sunflower seeds will ripen in the fall as the seed heads turn downward and the inner flowers shrivel. If you plan to store seeds for refilling feeders later, you should cover the heads with fine, sturdy mesh to prevent birds from feasting prematurely, or they can be left on the stalks for birds to enjoy directly. To store the seeds, cut the flower heads off each stalk to dry. When the heads are completely dry, the seeds can be rubbed off to be added to feeders, or dry heads can be put in tray or platform feeders without removing the seeds. Store seeds you won’t use right away in a cool, dry place so they will stay fresh and appetizing for the birds. For attracting the most diverse bird flock to your yard, black oil sunflower seeds can’t be beat. Whether you buy whole seeds, hulled chips, or grow your flowers, sunflower seeds are always the highlight of any feeder.
