Q&A for How to Dry Sunflowers

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.

Use the method above. It should work the same for store bought or home grown sunflowers.

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.

Pour off the liquid, rinse the seeds, and spread them out to dry on paper towels.

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!

Keep watering them until they do, or dig them up and put them in a sunnier place.