I grew a large tithonia (Mexican sunflower, torch flower) and accidentally discovered the goldfinches love the seeds. A recent rain pretty much destroyed the plant (broke the branches, etc), so it's time to pull it all up. I want to collect seed heads and either put them in a pie pan or in a finch sock for goldfinches and anyone else who wants to eat them.

My question: There are SO MANY seed heads and at different stages. What stage do the birds like? There's the stage right after the petals fall off, where the head is very soft. The true seed heads are spike balls and those seed things are SHARP. (I just wear gloves) Do any birds eat those???? Seems like they're too sharp to eat.

Thoughts on which heads to collect and how to present them for maximum bird enjoyment? (Pie plate vs. hanging sock)