Making a fall wreath with sunflowers

Feed your passion for crafting while feeding your feathered friends a delicious treat with this easy and rewarding project.

Sunflowers, scientifically known as Helianthus annuus, are a captivating and iconic member of the Asteraceae family. Native to North America, sunflowers are annual plants that exhibit a unique phenomenon called heliotropism, where their flower heads track the movement of the sun throughout the day. This captivating trait finds reflection in the French name for sunflower, "tournesol," which literally translates to "turns to the sun." The vibrant, golden-yellow petals radiate brilliantly around a central disk teeming with minuscule florets, which, once pollinated, each transform into a prized sunflower seed.

Every year, we grow many different varieties of sunflowers in our garden. It's always a delight to observe their impressive height, as they soar above everything else. It almost seems mythical that something so grand can grow to heights of three or even four meters in just one year. However, as summer nears its end, the blooms begin to fade, leaving us with a treasure trove of sunflower heads brimming with seeds.

Sunflowers, with their vibrant colors and hearty seeds, are also a favorite among birds, especially during the fall and winter when food can be scarce. This sunflower wreath will not only add to the charm of your outdoor space but provide a valuable food source for local wildlife.

Sunflowers are ripe when the backside of the flower head begins to turn yellow.

Materials needed

• secateurs

• wreath form, we use a triple-wire form

• floral wire, 22-gauge

• wire cutters

• gloves, optional

Harvest sunflowers

Not all varieties of sunflowers bloom at the same time. If you are growing many varieties, you can harvest sunflower heads as they are ripe, and store them in a cool, dark place until you have gathered enough to make your wreath.

Sunflowers are ripe when the backside of the flower head begins to turn yellow. You can also brush away the dried flowers to see that the seed underneath are fully formed and dry. Cut stems to approximately 4-6" (10-15cm).

Tie on

Before adding any sunflowers to your wreath form, securely attach the wire to the form.

Add flowers

Working with one flower at a time, lay stem against your wreath form and wrap your wire paddle around both the form and the stem, two to three times. Continue in this fashion, until your form is full and you have reached the point where you started.

Hang your wreath

Find a suitable location to hang your sunflower wreath. A tree branch, garden hook, or pergola are all great options. Make sure it's visible from a vantage point where you can enjoy watching the birds feast. Keep in mind that wherever you place it, some seeds are likely to sprout into next year's sunflowers.