An impressive seed head, but un-impressive harvest
It’s harvest time at Semilla Besada and one of the annual plants we have been trialling is Sunflowers. The plants were grown by a neighbour of ours and were impressive in both height of plant and size of seed head. However, when we came to harvest the seeds, we were surprised by the actual quantity of viable seed that we were able to collect. From a 24cm diameter sunflower seed head we collected 35g of seed. The quantity of seed diminished from the outer rim to the centre, with almost 100% at the perimeter, and nothing at the centre.
The harvest from this one seed head would be a tasty addition for a salad for three but no more. When we are trialling dryland annual vegetables at Semilla Besada, it is important to consider a number of factors:
- how much water they will use during their growth
- whether that water is supplied by irrigation or annual rainfall
- how much labour will be involved in growing, tending and harvesting the plant
- how much fertility will the plant need and how will it be provided
- how much food will be produced per plant
- whether the food will serve both animals and humans
- whether the plant is an important food source for wildlife
Overall, we subject the plant to a ‘marginal reaction’ test, or what might also be called a ‘cost/benefit analysis’. This year, with this variety, there has been more cost than benefit. It has failed the marginal reaction test. Next year, we will trial another variety and see whether we have the same return under the same conditions … nevertheless, the bees do love this summer food, and of course, finches love the seed!
Aspen signing off from Semilla Besada on a beautiful autumn evening
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