How to Dry Strawflowers Naturally

There's something magical about strawflowers. Their vibrant colors and unique, papery texture make them a favorite in dried floral arrangements.

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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.

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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.

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But nothing compares to the simplicity and effectiveness of natural drying, particularly hanging.

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Summary:

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  • 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.
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Preparation

Tools and Materials Needed

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  • Scissors/pruning shears
  • A string
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Drying Area

From my experience, you need a well-ventilated, dry, and dark space.

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I’ve tried drying strawflowers in various places around my home, and I've found that attics, closets, or garden sheds work best.

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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.

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To improve air circulation, I installed a small fan in one corner. I then set up a series of hooks along the wooden beams.

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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.

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Gathering and Bunching Strawflowers

You should harvest strawflowers in the early morning as they are well-hydrated but not wet with dew.

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Trust me, harvesting them later in the day, when they’re more dehydrated, can lead to brittle stems and damaged petals.

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After you’ve harvested your strawflowers, remove any damaged petals and excess foliage to let the flowers focus their energy on drying evenly.

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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.

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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.

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Every few days, you should check your strawflowers and it's really interesting when touching.

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When fully dried, the flowers should feel papery and brittle. This is a good sign that they’ve dried correctly.

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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.

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Storing Dried Strawflowers

You should preserve your dried flowers in clear plastic containers or jars and place them in a cool, dry area.

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Avoid areas with high humidity, as this can cause the flowers to reabsorb moisture and become moldy.

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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.

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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.

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I started by wrapping a wire wreath frame with floral tape, securing bunches of dried strawflowers in colors of red, orange, and yellow.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Common Problems

Mold

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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.

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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.

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Discoloration

This issue is due to exposure to direct sunlight during the drying process leading to faded or bleached petals.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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