[daffodil]

please could anyone advise me how to preserve a sunflower head for long term display on a school classroom wall as my husband uses them for maths lessons.  I know you can hang them upside down in a dry place, but any ideas for long term preservation?  many thanks

[Yorkie]

I have absolutely no idea but wondered about hairspray?

[daffodil]

thank you - worth a try! anyone else any ideas!?

[mumofstig]

If you are displaying them then make sure the heads are not hanging over as the seeds will drop out. I seem to remember varnishing them years ago

I'm not aware of any way to preserve the flower though, if that is what you meant?
I've only ever kept the seed heads.

[daffodil]

that's really helpful.  thanks ever so much

[Paul Plots]

I'm not quite sure what the display is for... but you can dry the seed heads well enough to keep them in one piece for a few weeks but watch out for mold developing behind the seeds.

I have / had several large artificial sunflowers that were used for displays - Van Gogh and childrens art work.

[daffodil]

thanks for that - will tell my husband the ideas

[dig4victory]

Just a change of direction here but does anyone keep and store sunflower heads for resowing and growing the following year?  How can I store mine over the winter to use for next year - I have found a lovely chocolatey reddy flower which is prolific called 'magenta' and would like to use them again.

Many thanks.

[Paul Plots]

Just a change of direction here but does anyone keep and store sunflower heads for resowing and growing the following year?  How can I store mine over the winter to use for next year - I have found a lovely chocolatey reddy flower which is prolific called 'magenta' and would like to use them again.

Many thanks.

Let the flower/seed head dry out naturally (some chance in this weather) or place it out of the rain where there's good air circulation. (Keep an eye out for mold in the back of the flower head)

When possible, without damaging them, gently remove the seed and allow to dry further. Finally place somewhere cool and dry for spring sowing.

Quite simple really. 

[dig4victory]

Thanks - easy when you know how!

[daffodil]

love the photograph - it looks beautiful.

[Yorkie]

I'm not familiar with Magenta variety, but if you still have this year's packet, check it's not a F1 variety.  If it is a F1, the seeds won't come true.

[Paul Plots]

I'm not familiar with Magenta variety, but if you still have this year's packet, check it's not a F1 variety.  If it is a F1, the seeds won't come true.

Packet is gone I suspect...(I'll search later). I can remember I chose them as they were described as being around 4' and mixed shades of yellow and red with various combinations.

Last year's tall traditional lot were hit by high winds in my parents exposed front garden so "we" opted for three different short / dwarf varieties. The front garden attracts lots of attention as it is full of them! 

[Yorkie]

I've never heard of preserving them like that.  I wonder how you'd stop the plant decomposing inside the silica or wax?

[Plot 1 Problems]

I think it's a way of preserving dried flowers. I guess you could preserve live flowers indefinitely in resin if you were careful and you made sure the curing process didn't get to hot.