DRYING SUNFLOWERS SUNFLOWER HEADS AND PETALS

    Supplies Needed:

• • • • *Twine, jute, rubber band
    • • *Hangers with clips, and a flowering hanging rack
    • • *Peg Rack (hang in a dry place and dark place away from direct sunlight)
    • • *A pair of scissors
    • • *Paper towels
  •           *Scissors

 

Drying Sunflowers

  The first step before drying flowers is to remove excess leaves and plant matter. Bundle the sunflowers with a rubber band or twine in groups of three. Allow enough space so the sunflowers' petals do not touch one another. You will wind up with a moldy flower head.  This DIY method has been a great way to dry my own sunflowers over the years. Hang the sunflowers upside down in a dry place and a dark place away from direct sunlight is a must.  For best results low humidity levels and a well ventilated area are optimal conditions so be sure this is the case. The drying time for sunflowers will vary from 2-3 weeks, depending on the size of the flower heads. The duration can also vary depending on room temperature and humidity levels. After the sunflowers are dry to keep their vibrant colors, I spray them lightly with unscented hairspray and it works. Remember dry flowers do break down after a while. the best choice and easiest way to dry sunflower heads is the air-drying technique. It takes a little patience but it is worth it. I will share various factors that work best with this drying technique. Following these steps is the best way to dry these cut flowers and avoid a moldy flower head.      

Drying The Flower Petals

  To dry sunflower petals, carefully remove the yellow petals. After removing the outer ray petals, use two sheets of parchment paper or blotting paper and lay them in a single layer. I typically like to press our petals face-side down. Lay the petals face-side down and let them dry for two weeks. Next step, I placed a heavy marble pastry board on top to give the petals a flat surface and I let the petals dry for two weeks. Drying the petals can also be achieved using cardboard, blotting paper, or natural parchment paper. Stack cardboard, then paper, and cardboard on top of the petals.  Add them to a heavy book and check them in two weeks.  The sunflower petals should have a dry papery touch, if not add them to the book and dry the flower petals longer. To keep the vibrant colors of the petals, spray lightly with unscented hairspray.  

Supplies List:

• *Fresh flowers
• *Silica Gel 
• *Airtight plastic container
• *Garden Pruners or scissors
• *Gloves and mask (recommended)
• *Paper towels
•  

Preparing Petals and Heads for Silica Gel

 

Placing Sunflower Heads: A Delicate Touch

 

Silica is non-toxic, however, it's advised to wear a mask and gloves for extra safety. Silica particles may irritate the throat and your skin so safety is important. To dry the head of the sunflower in silica gel, cut it leaving two inches of stem, and it should face up in an airtight container. Add the gel over the head until completely covered, and allow the petals and the head to dry for 2-7 days. Store the airtight container in a cool, dry location. If the container is deep enough, you can preserve two layers of the heads at a time.   

Drying Flower Petals

  If you're using silica gel to dry the flower petals of a sunflower, you want a 1-inch layer of silica on the bottom of your airtight container. Layer the petals in a single layer in your airtight container and sprinkle the silica covering the flower petals completely. The silica gel drying process should take 2-7 days. Put the airtight container in a cool, dry place. Be sure the moisture is removed from the yellow petals and the seed head, or you may wind up with a moldy flower head. Wear a mask and gloves for extra safety. Silica particles may irritate the throat and your skin.  

Microwave: Quick and Controlled Drying

  The microwave drying process for sunflower petals and the head of the flower is quick and requires heat many times. It’s advisable to wear gloves and a mask. Silica is non-toxic but can irritate the throat and skin. For safety reasons, it’s best to wear gloves and a mask. Cut the sunflowers with two inches of stem. Using a microwave-safe container, add 1 inch of gel. Add the head or petals and cover the flowers, with gel. Set the microwave on high power for 20-40-second intervals. By adhering to these detailed steps, you’ll ensure the successful preservation of your sunflowers. Wearing gloves, carefully remove each head of the sunflower and petals and wipe off any remaining gel. Spray the dried sunflower heads, sunflowers, or flower petals with unscented hairspray to keep their bright colors. Enjoy! Be sure to check my decorating ideas and tips. Many work for fall, Christmas, and through the winter months! Don't forget to check how we can help the local wildlife when food is scarce during the winter too!