How to Airdry Celosia for Fall Projects

 

My garden is currently in the season of transition planting.  This means some plant varieties are being harvested early so there is room for fall seeds.

I planted this celosia in a lower raised bed around the early spring, and it grew beyond my wildest expectations.  So, if you are looking for an easy to grow annual cut flower this one is a keeper. 

Your first set of seeds can be purchased here and harvesting seeds for future planting is extremely easy because they fall from the bloom with little effort.

I enjoyed these flowers in the garden, in bouquets and later dried a few for a wreath project.  

So, I decided with fall planting underway I would harvest all the celosia by pulling out the stems, root and all. 

I did replant in a medium container with some of the seeds I gathered earlier.  Those blooms will be inviting when fall arrives and they have already germinated which is exciting. 

But for now, I'm sharing how easy it is to airdry celosia and use the blooms later in fall projects.  

My favorite part of this process is that celosia maintains its color even after it dries.

Airdrying Celosia Tips

You will need a few things to make this project run smooth, materials like a shovel or spade.  Then a 5-gallon bucket will be extremely handy in addition to your clippers, a pair of scissors and some twine.

I started gathering stems in the early morning because it's just too hot the rest of the day.  Find a nice place to work preferably at a table because there will be some sorting taking place.

1. First harvest each celosia stem, you may need to use a shovel or spade to loosen the roots.
2. Begin removing the roots by clipping and placing in the bucket.
3. Remove the leaves from about half of the stem and place that rubble into the bucket.
4. Gather quality blooms, between 10 or 15 stems and use the twine to secure them as a bunch.
5. The twine will need to be tight because as these flowers dry the bunch will get smaller.
6. Bring them indoors and hang from a high location in a room where they won't be disturbed for about a week or two.  Drying time will vary based on humidity.  If you live in a dry area they will release their moisture at a faster rate.
7. Take that debris in the bucket and dump into your compost bin or use it in the bottom of a new raised bed and cover with soil. 
8. When these stems are completely dry you can leave them in their bundles until you are ready to use them.  

I recommend storying dried flowers in a box and remember to insert a small packet of silica gel.  This will help preserve their color and natural look until it’s time to use them.  

Airdrying celosia is really a fun way to prepare for fall decorating.  For more neat projects visit good ideas or get my book, Garden Up Green.

Be the good,

Carole West

This book has an entire chapter dedicated to DIY Projects