Having sunflowers from the market, I’m going to share drying sunflower heads today. I enjoy adding natural pieces to our décor. Because the fall season is around the corner, I decided to dry sunflower heads for fall season.

Drying Sunflowers on the Stem – Cut the Stem 6″ Long

Step 1: Drying These Blooms on the Stem

Using good cutting shears, cut the stem of the sunflowers 6″ long to dry. Bundle the flowers in threes and tie with jute. It’s particularly important to not let the heads touch. Next, hang the sunflowers upside down in a dark dry space. I have done this in coat closets but for the most part, I dried flowers in our basement. Our basement is dark and dry, so it works well. To dry flowers, you can use an attic however, since attics tend to be hot check on the buds a bit sooner.

Drying sunflowers on the stem can take up to two weeks sometimes three.

Now, dried sunflowers petals can curl.  I know because I used to dry whole sunflowers years ago. 

However, I did learn a trick, once the flower heads are dried, spray them with hairspray. This keeps the petals nice and helps keep their color.

How to Dry the Just Sunflower Heads

Step 2: To Dry the Heads Only

After sunflowers begin to droop in a vase, I remove and cut the stem and leave 3″ remaining. Incidentally, how to dry sunflower heads, remove the petals from the head. For the most part, I do this because the dry flower heads have a sepia look.

After removing the petals from the flower heads, place them in a dark dry place for two weeks. 

By the way if you enjoy adding nature to your home, you may enjoy this post.  I also share using natural pieces again in this different post. These are especially perfect for the fall and holiday season as well as winter months.

How to Dry the Sunflower Petals

Step 3: Weathering the Flower Petals

Besides, drying sunflower heads, try drying the petals themselves. This process is best when the petals still have their vibrant color. Carefully remove a petal at a time trying not to damage them.

Lay the petals between sheets of blotting paper while drying.

Next, place cardboard on top and add to a heavy book to keep them flat. Let the petals dry for several weeks. Agvain, add a bit of hairspray once dry to reatin their color.

How to Display Dry Sunflowers With a Stem Attached

Step 3: Displaying These Flowers with the Stem

Dry sunflowers on the stem look especially pretty in baskets for fall. 

Add these whole dry flowers to pitchers with other dried flowers from the garden such as roses and marigolds.  Additionally, these dry flowers look pretty bundled with a satin ribbon laying on a hutch or buffet.

How about sunflowers coupled with dried lavender from the garden or found while shopping? Imagine the warmth of the color combination and the smell from the lavender.

SOURCE

Displaying Dried Sunflower Heads In The Home

Step 4: Decorate with These Inside the Home

Displaying dried sunflower heads. Adding these to a bowl with gourds is pretty for fall. How about laying them on a platter and sprinkling small pinecones with other dry flower heads from the garden?

Adding dry sunflowers is also pretty for a fall centerpiece. Adding dry flowers to a centerpiece filled with pumpkins, pinecones and nuts is a great idea.

SOURCE

I have my sunflower heads displayed in our kitchen hutch. They are clustered on an antique Italian Florentine frame. The dry sunflower heads add a rustic fall look.

If you don’t want to dry your own sunflowers, purchase them from this company. Ordering items from them in the past,  I have never been disappointed and items are packaged especially well.

I hope you enjoyed this post on drying sunflowers heads. Dried flowers are the epitome of fall. Do you dry flowers from your garden for fall displays?

Pin This To Remember How To Do This Project!