How do I dry sunflowers to use in a wreath?

I am growing sunflowers and would like to use them in flower arrangements, but specifically in a wreath. How do I dry them to keep their color, shape, etc.


Last year I tryed to dry them by cutting them off the stem and setting them in a shallow box in a warm climate. They molded.

How do I dry sunflowers to use in a wreath?
cut


hang them upside down


spray with hairspray thoroughly
Reply:You might try setting them in a desiccant such as silica to dry. It takes awhile but is least likely to cause petal loss.





For seeds I hang my sunflower heads upside down in a dry place with good airflow.





I have also heard of places that will freeze-dry flowers for you. Not sure it would be worth it unless it was a bridal bouquet or you had a group-rate. To try this at home, fill an ice chest 1/2 way with dry ice. Set one sunflower head in a metal mixing bowl large enough to contain it. Close lid and wait. I have not tested this, but think 1/2 hour might be a good place to start. After freezing spray liberally with hair spray and hang upside down in a well-ventilated area free from moisture and humidity for one week. You might need to spray metal bowl with Pam first to avoid sticking.





Here is a site that tells how to dry flowers and protect them afterwards:





http://www.doityourself.com/stry/dryflow...





Happy drying!


gg
Reply:hang them up side down from a ceiling but not in the kitchen where there is humidity . they make not keep all there brightness but they will work . don't keep them in water once picked as they will soak it all up and take longer to dry and might go mouldy .


this is the perfect weather to be drying flowers . good luck
Reply:sunlight is best
Reply:Try a food dehydrator, or a convection oven.