What are sunflower seeds? Sunflower seeds are the seeds of the herb sunflower. Sunflower seed kernels are also known as sunflower seeds, sunflower seeds, and melon seeds. In the fall, the sunflower receptacle is picked and the ripe seeds are collected. They are then dried and roasted. Not only can they be eaten directly but they can also be pressed into sunflower oil. When you eat sunflower seeds, you only need to take out the shell, which is the sunflower seeds, also known as melon seeds.