Drying sunflowers is easy and fun. So if you want to preserve those golden summer blooms long after the season, try one of 3 easy sunflower drying methods.

With the hot weather a couple weeks ago, I was up to my elbows in sunflowers. I couldn’t bear the thought of seeing any of them go to waste, so I saved quite a few of the golden beauties to dry for craft projects. Sunflowers make great dried flowers because they hold their color well.

Air Drying Sunflowers

The easiest method is to hang them in a bunch upside down and leave them to dry. In this method the golden petals curl around the heads giving them a sort of windblown look. Usually 2 weeks of hanging is enough to dry the flowers. You’ll know they’re dry when they feel crispy to the touch.

Rack Drying Sunflowers

Another method is to use a wire rack, like the kind you find inside an oven. Slide the stems of the sunflowers through the slots in the rack so that the heads lay flat upon it. The petals will dry crinkled, similar those that are hang-dried, but they will remain flat instead of folding around head. With this method, one week is usually sufficient.

Silica Drying Sunflowers

The third method (and also the most instantly gratifying method) is to use silica or sand crystals. This is the most involved process, but also yields the most fresh-looking results. The petals and heads remain flat, just like those of live, fresh flowers. However, in this method, you will have to cut the heads off the stems to dry them. Be sure the flowers are completely covered in silica crystals, then “cook” them in the oven on a low temperature for 15-20 minutes.

Once you choose your method and dry your flowers, you can use them for a variety of crafting projects, dried arrangements or wreaths.

By Amber Reifsteck, The Woodland Elf

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