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!