If you have ever wanted to work with dried flowers but didn't know where to source them, dried strawflower heads are a good place to start. Whether you are making wreaths, creating wedding decorations, planning a seasonal workshop, or running a small handmade business, loose strawflower heads are a versatile material to keep on hand.
As a flower farmer in Ontario, I grow strawflowers for their beautiful colours, papery petals and ability to hold their shape after drying. I have been exploring different ways to make dried flowers available to people who want to work with them, whether that means buying a finished bouquet or purchasing individual flower heads to use in their own projects. I think there is something wonderful about making the raw materials available and letting other people turn them into something entirely their own.
In this guide, I want to share some of the places you can find dried strawflower heads, what you can expect to pay, what you can make with them, and a few things worth checking before placing an order.
Why buy dried strawflower heads instead of stems?
One of the biggest advantages of buying loose flower heads is that you are paying for the part you actually need. If you are making resin art, decorating small objects, creating flower confetti or adding flowers to a wreath, you might not need a full-length stem at all.
Flower heads are also compact and relatively lightweight, making them easier to package and ship than long dried stems. They take up less storage space, can be sorted into small containers by colour and size, and are convenient for projects that only require a handful of flowers at a time.
There is another advantage for anyone running a small business: flexibility. A bag of loose strawflowers can be divided into smaller quantities for craft kits, used across several different products, or kept on hand for workshops and seasonal collections. You don't need to commit to a large bunch of every colour just to experiment with a new idea.
And if you do need stems, you can often make your own. A small wooden dowel or piece of dried grass can be attached to the back of a flower head using hot glue, depending on the project. This is useful for miniature arrangements, floral decorations and other designs where the original stem length doesn't matter. Just remember that a glued-on stem is a constructed craft material rather than a naturally continuous flower stem, so it may not be suitable for every floral design.
Where to buy dried strawflower heads
There are several places worth exploring, depending on how many flowers you need, how particular you are about colour, and whether supporting a local grower is important to you.
1. Buy directly from a flower farm
If you're in Canada, buying directly from a flower farmer can be a lovely way to source dried strawflowers. Some small farms sell loose flower heads alongside their dried bunches, while others may be willing to prepare a custom selection if you contact them.
The biggest benefit is knowing where your flowers were grown. You can ask about the growing practices, harvest year, drying process and available colours. You may also be able to request a particular colour palette or discuss larger quantities if you are a business owner or workshop host.
Buying directly can also mean fewer marketplace fees built into the seller's pricing. However, direct-from-farm isn't automatically the cheapest option. A small farm may have higher growing and harvesting costs than a large commercial supplier, so compare the final price rather than assuming one source will always be less expensive.
At Harvest Hill Flower Farm in Blackstock, Ontario, I grow strawflowers and statice for dried floral projects. I offer Ontario-grown flowers for people who want to work with locally grown materials, and I am interested in finding ways to serve DIY crafters and small businesses as well as people shopping for finished floral arrangements.
If you are looking for strawflower heads grown in Ontario, you can browse my dried flower offerings at Harvest Hill Flower Farm.
2. Etsy
Etsy is one of the easiest places to start if you want to compare dried strawflower heads from different sellers. You can find small quantities for personal projects, mixed-colour packs, specific colour selections and larger lots intended for crafting or wedding decor.
Browse dried flower heads on Etsy Canada and look specifically for listings that state the number of flower heads included. Some sellers offer 25 or 50 flowers, while others offer 100, 500 or more.
One advantage of Etsy is that you can compare photographs, seller reviews, shipping estimates and product descriptions in one place. It can also be a useful way to test a new craft idea without contacting several suppliers individually.
The downside is that not every listing is comparable. A pack of 100 small heads is not necessarily a better deal than a pack of 50 large ones, and shipping can change the economics considerably. Some sellers also ship internationally, so delivery times and possible import charges are worth checking.
Etsy charges sellers marketplace fees, including a transaction fee and payment-processing fees, among other possible charges. Those costs can influence what a seller needs to charge. Buying directly from a farm or another maker may avoid some marketplace fees, although you should still compare the total price and any shipping charges.
3. Craft supply shops and online craft retailers
Local craft stores and online craft suppliers are another option, especially if you need other materials for the same project. You may find dried flower heads sold as floral embellishments, botanical craft supplies or components for resin art and decorative projects.
This option can be convenient if you are already shopping for wreath bases, wire, glue, ribbons or other supplies. It may also be useful when you need a small quantity quickly rather than waiting for an international shipment.
Check the packaging carefully, though. Some products marketed as dried flowers are pressed flowers, artificial flowers, dyed botanicals or mixed floral assortments. If you specifically want real, three-dimensional strawflower heads, make sure that is what you are purchasing.
4. Wholesale dried flower suppliers and importers
If you need hundreds or thousands of heads for a business, it can be worth looking beyond individual craft listings to wholesale floral suppliers, importers and commercial dried-flower distributors.
Globally sourced strawflower heads can sometimes be available at very low unit prices, particularly when purchased in larger quantities. As a rough starting point for researching bulk offers, you might encounter prices in the range of $0.10–$0.30 per head, but this is not a universal market rate. Flower size, quality, colour selection, order quantity, origin and shipping can all change the cost considerably.
Wholesale buying makes the most sense when you already have a reasonably good idea of how many flowers you will use. Before committing to a large order, ask for photographs of the actual product, confirm the number of heads, and find out whether the flowers are naturally coloured or dyed.
If you are importing into Canada, also check the shipping origin, expected delivery time, any applicable import requirements, and whether duties or taxes could apply. A low advertised unit price can become much less attractive once the entire shipment reaches your door.
How much do dried strawflower heads cost?
There isn't one standard price for dried strawflower heads. Small craft packs often cost more per flower than larger bulk orders, and locally grown flowers may cost more than imported products because of differences in production costs and scale.
For example, a listing advertising 100 heads for $10 works out to $0.10 per head before shipping and tax. Another listing offering 50 heads for $10 works out to $0.20 per head. But the first option is only the better buy if the flowers are reasonably similar in size, condition and quality.
When comparing prices, look at the following:
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Price per head: Divide the product price by the actual number of flowers included.
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Flower size: Small heads may be perfect for resin art or tiny decorative pieces, while larger heads can be more useful for wreaths and floral arrangements.
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Quality: Look for intact petals, reasonably consistent shapes and flowers that have been packed to prevent crushing.
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Colour selection: Mixed-colour bags can be economical, but you may end up with colours you don't need.
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Shipping: A low-priced pack shipped internationally may cost more overall than a slightly more expensive domestic option.
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Taxes and import charges: Include applicable taxes and any other charges you expect to pay.
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Usable quantity: A few damaged or undersized heads can make a difference if you are buying for a project with specific requirements.
For small businesses, the cost per usable flower matters more than the headline price. If you are making a product to sell, calculate the cost of the flowers you actually use, along with glue, other materials, packaging, labour and selling fees.
What can you make with dried strawflower heads?
One of my favourite things about growing flowers is seeing how many different ways people can use them. Strawflowers have a papery texture, come in a wide range of colours and hold their shape beautifully when dried, which makes them useful for much more than traditional bouquets.
Here are a few ideas worth exploring.
Dried flower wreaths
Strawflowers are a natural fit for wreath making. Their rounded flower heads add colour and texture to grapevine wreaths, wire wreaths and other decorative bases. Combine them with dried grasses, statice, seed heads and foliage to create designs for different seasons.
For a small business, you could create wreaths for spring, summer, autumn and Christmas, or offer a limited collection based on the colours available from your supplier. Smaller heads can fill gaps between larger blooms, while more substantial flowers can become focal points.
Miniature dried flower arrangements
Loose flower heads are useful for small arrangements, miniature vases, decorative bottles and other projects where you don't need long stems. Add homemade stems using wooden dowels or dried plant material where appropriate, and arrange the flowers with grasses or other dried botanicals.
This can be a practical option for people creating wedding table decorations, small gifts or decorative items for their online shops.
Decorative pumpkins and autumn crafts
If you enjoy seasonal crafting, dried strawflowers can be used to decorate faux pumpkins, wooden ornaments, autumn centrepieces and other fall projects. Warm oranges, yellows, reds and creams work particularly well with natural textures such as dried grasses, raffia and twine.
You could also offer a seasonal craft kit containing a small pumpkin, strawflower heads and basic decorative materials. For craft fairs, ready-to-make kits can appeal to customers who want to try something creative without sourcing every material themselves.
Wedding decorations and confetti
Strawflowers can be incorporated into DIY wedding decor, including table decorations, small floral details, place settings and handmade accessories. They are especially useful when a couple wants to prepare decorations well ahead of the wedding.
Loose heads can also be considered for decorative confetti, but don't assume that every venue will permit dried flower confetti. Check venue rules and local requirements first. If you intend to use flowers for tossing, consider how the petals behave, whether the venue permits the material, and whether the product is appropriate for the location.
For couples creating their own wedding flowers, buying individual heads can be a way to add colour to a project without purchasing full stems they don't need.
Workshops and craft kits
If you teach workshops, loose strawflower heads can be an easy material to portion out for each participant. You might use them in wreath-making classes, seasonal decor workshops, handmade ornaments or dried-flower art.
Buying flowers in bulk allows you to estimate your material costs per participant. You can then set a workshop price that accounts for your other supplies, preparation time, teaching time, venue expenses and profit.
Small, pre-portioned packs can also be sold as craft kits for customers who want to make something at home.
Products for holiday craft fairs
If you sell handmade goods at holiday markets, dried strawflowers offer plenty of possibilities. Think beyond selling the flowers themselves and consider what your customers might enjoy making or gifting.
Some ideas include miniature wreaths, floral ornaments, decorated gift tags, small wall hangings, seasonal centrepieces and DIY flower kits. You could also sell assorted flower-head packs to other crafters who want to incorporate natural materials into their own products.
One useful approach is to test a few small products before purchasing a large quantity of flowers. You may discover that customers prefer a ready-made item, while other customers would rather purchase a DIY kit and make it themselves.
How to buy strawflower heads without overspending
Before placing an order, take a few minutes to work out what you actually need. It is easy to be drawn to an inexpensive bulk listing, only to discover that the colours, sizes or quantities aren't right for your project.
First, decide on your colour palette. If you are making a particular wreath collection or wedding decoration, a coordinated selection may be more useful than a large mixed-colour assortment. If you are experimenting with crafts, a mix can be a good way to discover what you enjoy working with.
Next, calculate the price per head. Divide the product cost by the advertised quantity. Then add shipping and applicable taxes. For example, if 100 heads cost $12 and shipping costs $8, your pre-tax landed cost is $20, or $0.20 per head. If you receive fewer usable flowers than expected, the effective cost per usable head will be higher.
Check where the flowers are coming from. A seller's location is not always the same as the flowers' growing origin. If buying locally grown flowers matters to you, look for a clear statement of where they were grown rather than relying on the shipping address alone.
Read the listing carefully. Confirm whether you are purchasing whole flower heads, petals, mixed dried flowers or flowers attached to stems. Check the size range, quantity, colour options and whether the listing photographs show the actual flowers you will receive.
Look at shipping before checking out. International shipping can be expensive relative to a small order, and delivery may take longer than expected. If you are preparing for a workshop, wedding or holiday market, allow enough time for the flowers to arrive and for you to check their quality.
Finally, if you plan to sell finished products, work backwards from your intended retail price. A flower that costs a few cents may seem inexpensive, but your finished item also needs to cover your time, other materials, packaging, selling fees and business expenses.
Should you buy locally grown or globally sourced strawflower heads?
There is room for both, and the right choice depends on what you are making.
If your priority is the lowest possible unit price for a large production run, imported bulk flowers may be worth investigating. They can be particularly useful when you need a consistent supply of particular colours or large quantities for repeat products.
If you want to know where your flowers were grown, prefer locally sourced materials, or want to support small-scale agriculture, buying from a flower farm can be a better fit. You may also have the opportunity to ask questions directly and find out more about how the flowers were grown and dried.
For Canadian makers, locally grown flowers can be an especially meaningful material to incorporate into a handmade product. They offer a connection to the season and the place where they were grown, rather than simply serving as another craft supply.
Neither option is automatically right for every business. What matters is understanding the trade-offs and choosing the material that fits your budget, product and values.
Final thoughts: Start small and see what you enjoy making
You don't need to purchase hundreds of flowers to get started with dried strawflower heads. A small assortment can be enough to test a wreath design, experiment with miniature arrangements or create a few samples for a craft fair.
If you already run a handmade business, think about whether loose flower heads could become a useful addition to your existing products. If you are a workshop host, calculate how many flowers each participant will need. And if you are planning a DIY wedding, consider which elements you can comfortably make yourself and which might be easier to purchase ready-made.
As I continue growing flowers at Harvest Hill Flower Farm in Ontario, I am interested in the many different ways dried flowers can be used beyond the traditional bouquet. Some people want flowers ready to arrange, while others want raw materials they can turn into something personal, practical or creative.
If you are looking for Ontario-grown strawflowers for your next project, you can explore my dried flower offerings at Harvest Hill Flower Farm. I would love to see more people discover how much they can create with flowers grown, harvested and dried right here in Canada.
