Just happen to have these instructions sitting by the computer to try myself. They came from the extension office so it should be reliable :) Roasting Hulled Pumpkin, Squasah or Sunflower seeds To hull seeds in quantity, first break them up with a rolling pin, then drop the seeds and hulls into a large container filled with water. Stir vigorously to bring all kernels in contact with the water and to break the surface tension. The kernals will sink to the bottom, the shells will remain floating. After the seeds have dried they may be roasted in a frying pan at low heat or toasted in a shallow pan in the oven at 325º Mix: 1 cup seeds 2 teaspoons vegetable oil Heat stirring frequently to prevent scorching. the time required will be from 2-6 minutes, depending on the dryness of the seeds.

You can put a piece of a stocking around the flower heads to catch the seeds. Each fertilized faded bloom will have a little black seed inside. Each flower cluster is made up of many separate blooms. You can just squeeze the spent bloom and the seed should pop out. Karyn

The stem must brown and the seeds will turn pale brown or dull green. THe clear indication of ripenss is that the seeds will quickly and easily strip off between your fingers without tugging.

Thanks, Penny. Is it too late to collect the seed heads from Jacob Cline Mondarda? That did well for me, as well as the Cleome you sent me. The Cleome was just spectacular!! I'm sorry to tell you the Lobelia Cardinalis did not do well. It was just too hot and dry, even though I watered it almost every day. Then some kind of bug chewed it up. The only other things that have bloomed well for me are the pentas, Salvia B & B, and the Agastache Apricot Sprite. The Apricot Sprite seed packets were everywhere this spring. Do you think they are as easy to find in other parts of the country? I could try and collect seeds for exchange if you think others couldn't find them in the stores. Salvia B & B doesn't come back true from seeds, so it doesn't seem right to collect these seeds for trade. What about pentas? How do you collect those seeds? I have been cutting off the spent flower heads all summer long to keep it blooming. Thanks!!