preserving sunflowers (not for the seeds)

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Has anyone preserved sunflowers for decorating purposes? If so how did you do it? I've tried hanging them upside down by the stem, standing them upright, letting the heads rest on screen, etc. and they still lose their petals. I don't have any problems with the other flowers, just the sunflowers. Any experience anyone would like to share is appreciated.

-- Marci (ajourend@libby.org), July 29, 2000

Answers

I think that middle part of the flower--without the seeds OR petals-- is beautiful, just the way it is. It is symetrical and complicated, and shows the glory of God, just like a lot of every day things do. I have seen lovely wreaths and arrangements made of them, in very classy publications.

-- Leann Banta (thelionandlamb@hotmail.com), July 30, 2000.

Sunflower petals, just like a lot of other flowers such as daisies, do not dry well naturally. You would have to use silica powder if you wanted to dry them and I don't know how difficult it would be to get it out of the seed portion once the petals are dry. Also, you wouldn't want to eat the seeds after you used the powder either. I have never dried sunflowers with the silica but I have done daisies and it does work but it is a bit of work. It just depends on how badly you want to keep the sunflowers.

-- Colleen (pyramidgreatdanes@erols.com), July 31, 2000.

Flower dry (silica gel) is the key to sunflowers, and many other plants that won't cooperate. The key is to pick them just before perfect (so the leaves and petals are firmly attached still). Put a layer of silca gel (available at some hobby shops, and even walmart) in the bottomw of a pan, place your sunflower face down onto the layer (it should be 1" thick, and the container 1" wider then your flower) cover the plant, being certain to work the gel into all areas. After about 4 days for 6"-12" sunflowers, you gently pour off the crystals, and then lightly shake or tape the back of the flower to knock out all visable get. It should not stick once the flower is fully dry.

I should warn you that you'll want to hairspray the plants all over with a mist variety spray. It keeps the wet out, and the terrible dry sunflower sent in. (I find mine often smell very very intense when dry)

Good luck, and enjoy.

-- marty (Mrs.Puck@excite.com), August 01, 2000.


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