There’s something magical about strawflowers. Their vibrant colors and unique, papery texture make them a favorite in dried floral arrangements.
When I first started creating my own dried flower bouquets, strawflowers quickly became a staple. Their durability and beauty, even after drying, make them perfect for long-lasting decorations.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various methods to dry these stunning blooms from pressing to using silica gel, I’ve tried it all.
But nothing compares to the simplicity and effectiveness of natural drying, particularly hanging.
Summary:
- You should gather strawflowers, remove damaged petals, and bunch them, then hang the bunches upside down in a well-ventilated, dark space for 2-3 weeks.
- You can store dried strawflowers in clear containers in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.
- Use dried strawflowers in creative projects to enjoy their vibrant beauty year-round.
Preparation
Tools and Materials Needed
- Scissors/pruning shears
- A string
Drying Area
From my experience, you need a well-ventilated, dry, and dark space.
I’ve tried drying strawflowers in various places around my home, and I’ve found that attics, closets, or garden sheds work best.
Last summer, I turned my attic into a drying area. The attic is naturally dry and dark, but ventilation was a bit of a challenge.
To improve air circulation, I installed a small fan in one corner. I then set up a series of hooks along the wooden beams.
Next, I used sturdy twine to create lines across the attic where I could hang the bunches of strawflowers. If you follow this way, make sure each bunch is about 6 inches apart.
Gathering and Bunching Strawflowers
You should harvest strawflowers in the early morning as they are well-hydrated but not wet with dew.
Trust me, harvesting them later in the day, when they’re more dehydrated, can lead to brittle stems and damaged petals.
After you’ve harvested your strawflowers, remove any damaged petals and excess foliage to let the flowers focus their energy on drying evenly.
Next, group the strawflowers into small bunches and tie the stems together with string. You also remember to handle the flowers gently because strawflower petals can be quite delicate.
Hanging Strawflowers to Dry
In my attic, I hang the bunches on the prepared lines. As I have shared, 6 inches between each bunch is important for proper air circulation.
Every few days, you should check your strawflowers and it’s really interesting when touching.
When fully dried, the flowers should feel papery and brittle. This is a good sign that they’ve dried correctly.
Last humid summer, I noticed it took 3 weeks for the flowers to reach the desired dryness. Conversely, my friend living in a cooler, drier weather condition said that her flowers dried in just under two weeks.
Storing Dried Strawflowers
You should preserve your dried flowers in clear plastic containers or jars and place them in a cool, dry area.
Avoid areas with high humidity, as this can cause the flowers to reabsorb moisture and become moldy.
In addition, direct sunlight can fade those beautiful colors you worked so hard to preserve. So, store yours in a closet, tucked away from the light and out of reach of any pets.
DIY Projects with Dried Strawflowers
Last Christmas, I decided to make wreaths with dried strawflowers from summer. I remember spending a December afternoon beside the table covered in strawflowers, pinecones, and fragrant eucalyptus leaves.
I started by wrapping a wire wreath frame with floral tape, securing bunches of dried strawflowers in colors of red, orange, and yellow.
I also interspersed them with the pinecones and eucalyptus for a natural look. Finally, I hung the wreath on my front door, it was outstanding on evergreen garland and twinkling lights.
On the holiday, my friends came and I was greeted with compliments: “Did you make this?” one friend asked, eyes wide with admiration. “It’s absolutely beautiful!” another exclaimed.
If you’ve got some dried strawflowers on hand, I highly recommend making a wreath. Otherwise, you can use them in bouquets or get creative with framed art.
Common Problems
Mold
If you see fuzzy or slimy growth on petals and stems, it can be moldy. Mold typically appears when the drying area isn’t well-ventilated and there’s high humidity.
To prevent this, maintain an environment with a humidity level below 50%. I’ve found that placing a small fan in my attic helps circulate air and keep the flowers dry.
Discoloration
This issue is due to exposure to direct sunlight during the drying process leading to faded or bleached petals.
I once made the mistake of hanging them near a window, and the sun bleached their beautiful hues. Now, I always choose a dark, dry place, like a closet or attic to dry my flowers.
Brittle Petals
Brittle petals can be a result of over-drying or drying in an environment that’s too warm. If the petals crumble to the touch, they’ve likely dried too fast.
Ideally, you should dry strawflowers at the temperature around 60-70°F (15-21°C). If you notice brittleness early, you can sometimes move them to a more humid space.
