Q&A for How to Dry Sunflowers

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  • Question
    Will my sunflowers look the same after I dry them out?
    Lana Starr, AIFD
    Certified Floral Designer & Owner, Dream Flowers
    Lana Starr is a Certified Floral Designer and the Owner of Dream Flowers, a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dream Flowers specializes in events, weddings, celebrations, and corporate events. Lana has over 14 years of experience in the floral industry and her work has been featured in floral books and magazines such as International Floral Art, Fusion Flowers, Florist Review, and Nacre. Lana is a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) since 2016 and is a California Certified Floral Designer (CCF) since 2012.
    Certified Floral Designer & Owner, Dream Flowers
    Expert Answer
    Unfortunately, no. When you dry a flower out, it's almost certainly going to shrink. It may end up being half of its original size when you're done. The color is also going to be a little washed out as well; those bright yellow leaves are unlikely to stay yellow when you're done.
  • Question
    How do I preserve a sunflower I bought in a store?
    Community Answer
    Use the method above. It should work the same for store bought or home grown sunflowers.
  • Question
    Does silica gel work with sunflowers?
    Community Answer
    Cardboard works well, as it provides good air circulation. If you choose to dry the sunflower with silica gel, put the gel in an airtight container with a secure lid. Otherwise, the gel absorbs moisture from the air instead of the flower and the drying time is extended.
  • Question
    How do I dry seeds to replant in the spring?
    Community Answer
    Pour off the liquid, rinse the seeds, and spread them out to dry on paper towels.
  • Question
    Can I dry the whole sunflower head in silica gel in the microwave?
    Community Answer
    Maybe, as long as you don’t put too much silica gel on the sunflower head. Silica gel might be a little soggy, and the moisture might spread around the sunflower head. It could even wash away the pollen!
  • Question
    What do I do if my sunflowers never opened up?
    Community Answer
    Keep watering them until they do, or dig them up and put them in a sunnier place.
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