If you’re looking for a flower that not only brightens up your garden but also provides beautiful dried blooms to use in crafts and decorations, strawflowers (Helichrysum bracteatum) should be at the top of your list. These flowers, with their vibrant, paper-like petals, maintain their colors and structure long after they’ve been harvested, making them an ideal choice for drying. Whether you’re new to gardening or have some experience, learning how to properly care for and dry strawflowers will open up a world of creative possibilities.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into how you can grow, care for, and dry strawflowers effectively so that they last long and look stunning in your home or craft projects.
Understanding Strawflowers
Before we get into the drying process, let’s first explore what makes strawflowers such a special addition to your garden. Strawflowers, which are part of the sunflower family, are known for their papery texture, strong colors, and long-lasting nature. They are available in a variety of shades, from soft pinks and purples to vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. What makes them even more interesting is that, unlike most flowers, they don’t lose their color or structure as they dry—making them perfect for preservation.
Why Strawflowers Are Perfect for Drying
Unlike many other flowers, which lose their shape, color, and vibrancy once dried, strawflowers retain all their beauty. This is mainly because of their papery petals that are highly resistant to wilting and fading. As a result, they are often used in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, potpourri, and other crafts.
How to Care for Strawflowers Before Drying
To ensure your strawflowers are in optimal condition for drying, proper care while they’re growing is essential. Healthy, well-maintained flowers will yield the best results once dried. Here’s how you can care for them from planting to harvest:
Choosing the Right Location
Strawflowers thrive in full sunlight. Plant them in an area of your garden where they’ll receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. These flowers prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types, though they do best in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Watering and Fertilizing
While strawflowers don’t require excessive watering, they do need regular moisture, especially during dry spells. Water them deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Strawflowers are fairly drought-tolerant once established, so be careful not to overwater them.
In terms of fertilizing, a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season will support healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plants to produce fewer flowers.
Pruning and Deadheading
For the best dried flowers, you’ll want to encourage the plants to produce a large number of blooms. Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy. Cutting back any excess stems or leaves will also help the plant focus its energy on producing flowers.
The Perfect Time to Harvest Strawflowers for Drying
Timing is crucial when harvesting flowers for drying. Strawflowers should be harvested at their peak bloom, which is when the petals have fully opened but before they start to fade. If you wait too long, the petals may start to dry out and lose their vibrant color.
Signs That Strawflowers Are Ready to Harvest
The flowers have fully opened and the petals are papery and firm to the touch.
The center of the flower is still fresh and hasn’t started to turn brown or wilt.
The stems are long enough to be cut, usually around 12–18 inches from the base of the plant.
Harvest early in the morning when the flowers are dry, and avoid cutting them during rainy or overly humid weather to prevent mold or mildew.
Methods of Drying Strawflowers
Once you’ve harvested your strawflowers, it’s time to dry them. There are several methods for drying these flowers, and each one has its advantages. Here are the most effective techniques:
Air Drying
Air drying is one of the simplest and most effective methods for drying strawflowers. Here’s how you can do it:
Cut the Stems: Cut the strawflower stems to about 12–18 inches long.
Bundle the Flowers: Gather your flowers into small bundles, securing them with a rubber band or string.
Hang the Bundles: Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dry area with good airflow. A dark, dry closet or attic is an ideal place. Ensure that the flowers are spaced apart so air can circulate freely around them.
Wait for Drying: It usually takes around 1–2 weeks for strawflowers to air-dry completely, depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment. The flowers are ready when they feel firm and papery to the touch.
Pressing Strawflowers
While pressing is generally more suitable for flat flowers, strawflowers can also be pressed if you want to preserve their shapes and colors in a different way. This method works best for making cards, bookmarks, or framed art.
Prepare the Pressing Materials: Use a flower press or heavy books. Place parchment paper or newspaper between the flowers and the press.
Press the Flowers: Lay the flowers flat between the papers and gently close the press. If you’re using books, place heavy objects on top to apply even pressure.
Wait for the Drying: Leave the flowers to press for 2-3 weeks. Once pressed, they’ll retain their color and form, although they may lose some of their original texture.
Using Silica Gel
If you want to preserve the shape and color of your strawflowers more precisely, silica gel is a fantastic option. Silica gel can absorb moisture from the flowers while retaining their structure.
Prepare a Container: Use an airtight container that is large enough to hold the flowers without crushing them.
Place the Flowers in Silica Gel: Pour a layer of silica gel in the bottom of the container. Gently place the strawflowers on top, then cover them completely with more silica gel.
Seal the Container: Close the container and leave it in a warm, dry place for 1–2 weeks. The flowers will be fully dried and can be carefully removed from the gel.
Oven Drying
While not the most popular method, oven drying can be used for strawflowers in a pinch. However, be careful not to overheat the flowers, as this can cause them to burn or lose their color.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to the lowest possible temperature (around 150°F or 65°C).
Prepare the Flowers: Place the strawflowers in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Dry the Flowers: Put the baking sheet in the oven for about 1–2 hours, checking every 30 minutes to ensure the flowers are drying without burning.
Storing Dried Strawflowers
Once your strawflowers are fully dried, it’s important to store them properly to ensure they maintain their color and structure. Keep dried strawflowers in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. A sealed container or vase will keep them protected from dust and pests.
Creative Ways to Use Dried Strawflowers
Now that your strawflowers are dried and ready to go, it’s time to get creative. Here are a few ideas to incorporate them into your home décor or craft projects:
Floral Arrangements: Create beautiful bouquets using dried strawflowers combined with other dried blooms like lavender, wheat, or baby’s breath.
Wreaths: Craft a stunning door wreath by attaching strawflowers to a wire frame.
Potpourri: Add them to homemade potpourri for a naturally fragrant mixture.
Decorative Frames: Pressed strawflowers make lovely framed artwork, especially when paired with other dried flowers or leaves.
Conclusion
Strawflowers are not only a stunning addition to your garden, but they are also one of the best flowers for drying. Their natural durability, vibrant colors, and paper-like texture make them ideal for preserving and using in crafts. Whether you choose to air dry, press, or use silica gel, strawflowers are versatile and easy to handle. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy their beauty all year long—whether in dried flower arrangements or as part of your next craft project. Happy gardening and crafting!
