How to Preserve Sunflower Heads, Petals, and Seeds

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Keep dried sunflowers bright and beautiful with this guide

Co-authored by Pilar Zuniga and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: December 23, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Drying Sunflowers
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• Other Drying Methods
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• Drying Sunflower Petals
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• Drying Sunflower Seeds
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• Choosing Flowers to Dry
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• Using Dried Sunflowers
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• Video
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• Expert Q&A
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• Tips

|Show more |Show less

Sunflowers are bright and sunny, and they add a pop of color to any room—even when they’re dried. Dried sunflowers make great decorations and gifts, and it’s easy to preserve them at home. Want in on the secret? Keep reading! We interviewed florist Pilar Zúñiga to teach you all the best ways to dry a sunflower, including hanging it upside down, using silica gel, or heating it in the microwave or oven. Plus, learn how to dry sunflower petals and seeds, how to choose the best sunflower for drying, and what you can do with your dried sunflowers.

How to Preserve a Sunflower

Cut the sunflower’s stem to about 6 in (15 cm) long and tie a piece of twine around the bottom. Hang the flower upside down in a dark, dry place for 2-3 weeks. When the petals are crisp and stiff, the flower is completely dry and ready to be taken down. Coat it with an even layer of hairspray to preserve the color.

Steps

Section 1 of 6:

Best Way to Dry Sunflowers

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1. 1
   Cut the sunflower’s stem down to about 6 inches (15 centimetres). Sunflowers have long stems, so it’s easier to dry them if you trim the stem down to about 6 inches (15 centimetres) in length. Be careful not to cut the stem too short, however, as you need enough length to tie the flowers together. Remove any dead leaves around the head of the sunflower, as well.
2. 2
   Hang the flowers upside down in a dark, dry place. Tie yarn or kitchen twine around the bottom of the stem; if you’re drying multiple sunflowers, bundle them in groups of three without letting the heads touch. Pick a dark, dry place to hang them, such as an unused cabinet, closet, or attic. Use a wire hanger, stick, or hook to hang them upside down.

   • Zúñiga says if the flowers touch, “There isn't air circulation over the entire flower head, [and] you could end up with a little bit of mold growing in there. So I think that's something that you want to stay away from, [as] it doesn't smell good and it's not good for your health.”
   • Zúñiga recommends drying the flowers upside down because it “[allows] gravity to pull the petals and wick [the] moisture out. If there are any drops of water inside, it's going to pull that water out of the petals rather than have it all sit inside the head of the flower and rot. That's why drying upside down is important.”
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3. 3
   Let the flowers dry for at least 2 weeks. Leave the flowers undisturbed for about 2 weeks, then check to see if they’re dry. The petals should feel crisp and stiff. If they’re completely dry, cut the twine and pull them out of the closet, being careful not to break off any petals.

   • Depending on the size of the sunflowers, they may take as long as 3 weeks to dry completely. If they aren’t completely dry, leave them hanging for a little longer.
   • Zúñiga says it’s important to keep the flowers out of the sun if you want them to remain bright yellow: “The sun will just leech out all the color, unless you're [going] for that look. It can make [the flowers] more brittle, and you lose your color variation that way.” If you're aiming for a sepia-toned flower, leaving them in the sun may help you achieve this look.
4. 4
   Coat the sunflowers with hairspray to preserve them. In general, the sunflowers should be well-preserved once they’ve dried completely, but most flowers still lose their color over time. To help preserve the color and shape, spray the sunflowers evenly with a coat of hairspray.
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Section 2 of 6:

Alternate Ways to Preserve Sunflowers

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1. 1
   Let sunflowers dry naturally in a vase. If you aren’t pressed for time, letting sunflowers dry naturally is a great way to preserve their color. Simply place your sunflowers in a vase filled with water and forget about them. Let them dry slowly, even when they start to droop or shrivel. Leave them alone until they feel stiff and crisp—this will likely take several weeks.

   • The sunflower heads will start to droop as they dry, so if you want them to dry straight, prop them up or lay them flat once they are mostly dry.
   • If you want your dried sunflowers to have a natural, faded look, shake off some of the petals.
2. 2
   Dry sunflowers with silica gel or another drying agent. Choose a container with a lid that’s big enough to hold your sunflower head, and fill it halfway with silica gel. Then, cut your sunflower’s stem to about 2 inches (5 cm) long, and place the flower head in the gel, face up. Pour more gel into the container until the sunflower is completely covered. Put the lid on and allow the flower to dry for 2-7 days in a cool, dry location. Check on the flower every few days and remove it once it’s completely dry.

   • If you don’t have silica gel, another option is to mix equal parts Borax and cornmeal or 2 parts Borax to 1 part sand. Add a spoonful of salt to help preserve the petals’ color.
3. 3
   Microwave sunflowers with silica gel to dry them quickly. Fill a microwave-safe container with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of silica gel. Add your sunflower head, face up, and cover it completely with more silica gel. Set the microwave on high power and heat the sunflowers for 20- to 40-second intervals. Check if the flowers are completely dry and microwave them again if they aren’t. Remove them from the gel and brush off any excess when they’re done.
4. 4
   Bake sunflowers in the oven to dry them. Preheat an oven to 200 degrees F (93 degrees Celsius). Trim off the sunflower stem and remove any leaves, wilted petals, and other plant matter. Lay each sunflower head in a single layer on a wire rack on a cookie or baking sheet, then bake for 1-2 hours. Check on the flowers after an hour to make sure they aren’t turning brown. When they’re completely dry, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool.
5. 5
   Dehydrate sunflowers to maintain their shape. If you have access to a dehydrator, cut the stems off of your sunflowers right at the base and lay the blooms face up on your dehydrator tray. Space the flowers out so they aren’t touching, set your dehydrator to low, and check on the flowers after 6-8 hours. Depending on the type of dehydrator you have, you may need to rotate your trays if the heating element and fan are located at the bottom of the dryer.

   • If your sunflowers are particularly large, it may take longer for them to dehydrate. Check on them every few hours if they aren’t completely dry the first time you check them.
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Section 3 of 6:

How to Dry Sunflower Petals

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1. 1
   Press sunflower petals between the pages of a book. Select sunflower petals that are bright and undamaged. Place the petals in a single layer between two sheets of blotting paper or parchment paper, then place the sheets between the pages of a heavy book. Place other books on top of that one to add weight, and let the petals dry for 2-3 weeks.

   • Unless you have a flower press, pressing whole sunflower heads isn’t usually a viable option, as they’re too big and thick.
   • If the petals still feel moist after a few weeks, replace the blotting paper and continue pressing them for another week or so.
2. 2
   Quickly dry petals in the microwave. Lay out two sheets of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Arrange the petals in a single layer on top of the paper towels, then place another two sheets on top of the petals. Microwave the petals on high power for 20-40 seconds or until the petals dry completely.

   • The paper towels will wick away moisture released by the sunflower petals.
   • Check the petals after the first 20 seconds to make sure they haven’t become too crisp.
   • Let the petals rest on the paper towels for several hours before you use them.
   • It’s also possible to preserve petals with silica gel or in the oven, following the same instructions as you’d use for entire flower heads.
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Section 4 of 6:

How to Dry Sunflower Seeds

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1. 1
   Allow the sunflowers to mature in the ground. As long as the weather is still warm and dry, let the sunflowers reach full maturity while still growing. If possible, do not cut the flower heads off before the back turns yellow-brown. Ideally, wait until the sunflower loses its petals and the head droops.

   • If the sunflower starts to droop, tie the flower head to a stake to keep the plant upright. The head will become heavier as it droops, and the plant will begin to weaken under its own weight.
2. 2
   Protect the seeds from birds with cheesecloth. After the flower starts to droop, wrap cheesecloth or a paper bag around the sunflower heads and tie it on with kitchen twine. This will help protect the seeds from birds and squirrels, and it will also catch seeds that fall off.
3. 3
   Alternatively, cut and hang the flower heads to dry. If you need to cut the flower heads off early due to pests or climate, cut off about 1 foot (30 centimetres) of the stem along with the head, and hang the plants upside down inside to dry until the back of the flower head turns completely brown.
4. 4
   Remove the seeds once the sunflowers are completely dry. This will likely take several weeks. Once the flowers have completely dried, remove the seeds by brushing them off with your fingers, a stiff brush, or a fork. Remove the seeds over a bowl or bucket so you can easily collect them.

   • If you have multiple sunflowers, you can also remove the seeds by rubbing two sunflower heads together.
5. 5
   Prepare the sunflower seeds for eating. Mix a cup of salt into a gallon of water. Pick through the seeds to remove any flower or extra plant bits, then pour them into the water. Soak them for at least 8 hours, then strain them and spread them out on a pan. Place the seeds in a 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) oven and let them bake for 25-30 minutes.

   • Put the sunflower seeds in an airtight container, then stick them in the freezer to store them for up to a year.
   • If you’re saving the seeds to plant rather than eat, skip this step and simply store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them.
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Section 5 of 6:

Choosing the Best Sunflower to Dry

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1. 1
   Choose blooms that aren’t fully open. If you want your dried sunflowers to maintain their color and shape, it’s usually best to choose blooms that are almost fully open, but not quite. The flowers should feel heavy, indicating that they are well-nourished, and their stems should be firm and green. Avoid sunflowers that have brown or discolored edges and wilted leaves, as this means the flower is past its prime.

   • It’s possible to dry any sunflower (including the really big ones), but in general, it’s easier to choose small or medium-sized blooms.
2. 2
   Pick the flowers on a dry, sunny day after the dew has dried. For the best results, the sunflowers should be as dry as possible. Aim to pick your flowers in the morning after the dew has dried. Avoid cutting the flowers on a rainy day or after it has rained for several days.

   • It’s also a good idea to pick the flowers on a cooler day, as this minimizes stress on the plants.
   • When you cut the sunflowers, make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle so the flowers hydrate correctly. Place them in a vase of lukewarm water immediately to prolong their life until you’re ready to preserve them.
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Section 6 of 6:

How to Use Dried Sunflowers

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1. There are countless ways to use dried sunflowers in crafts and decor. When preserved correctly, sunflowers maintain their gorgeous yellow color, making them a perfect gift or way to decorate your home. Here are just a few examples of what you can do with dried sunflowers or sunflower seeds:

   • Make a wreath to hang on your front door
   • Hang them up or display them in vases as fall decor
   • Roast sunflower seeds for a yummy snack or a gift
   • Make a dried flower collage
   • Decorate picture frames with pressed sunflower petals
   • Display them in a shadow box

Expert Q&A

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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.

  

  Lana Starr, AIFD

  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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• If you happen to have access to a freeze dry machine, freeze drying sunflowers is another way to preserve their petals and color.
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