{"id":7914,"date":"2023-05-29T09:32:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-29T09:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=7914"},"modified":"2023-05-29T10:14:13","modified_gmt":"2023-05-29T10:14:13","slug":"how-to-preserve-cotton-stalks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-preserve-cotton-stalks\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Preserve Cotton Stalks?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Cotton stems are a decorative display that can be produced on your homestead. But, proper efforts must be put forward to make your display last. It&#8217;s time to learn how to preserve cotton stalks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do You Make Preserved Cotton Stalks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/brown-4664820_1280-compressor.jpg\" alt=\"how do you make preserved cotton stalks\" class=\"wp-image-6448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/brown-4664820_1280-compressor.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/brown-4664820_1280-compressor-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/brown-4664820_1280-compressor-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/brown-4664820_1280-compressor-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Cotton stalks are very popular decoration during the fall. Plenty of people go out and buy stalks from craft stores, or even make faux cotton stalks to save money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can see the price is high, with upwards of $10 per stalk being about average <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etsy.com\/market\/cotton_stalks\">on Etsy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, how do you make cotton twigs right on your one homestead?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are growing the cotton yourself, you&#8217;ll be happy to know that this isn&#8217;t a lengthy process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Cut the stalk to the desired length.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hang dry upside down for up to a week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove broken branches and dry leaves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean up cotton balls and hot glue any pieces that fall off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s essentially the whole process to make cotton stalks at home. Below will go into more detail and give you ideas of what to do based on how you want to decorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1 &#8211; Cutting The Stalk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your stem length is dependent on what you want them for. If you are looking to create traditional bouquets, you probably want stalks around 18-30 inches long. If you are using small branches as accents in a fall wreath, maybe you only want around 6 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cutting longer than you may need a trimming later is better than cutting them too small, to begin with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2 &#8211; Hang Dry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hang your fresh cut stems upside down somewhere dry for up to a week. You can hang it longer if you&#8217;d like, as there isn&#8217;t going to be any problem with overdrying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you see the leaves are dried out and the stalks have no flex, they are dry enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3 &#8211; Clean Up The Stalk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some branches may be unnecessary for the decor. Break them off cleanly. Also, if you already have broken branches go ahead and cut them off as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for the dried leaves, you can remove or keep them. Most commercial cotton stalks have the leaves removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are putting a display together with more than one stem or other elements, like a bouquet or wreath, you can trim each stalk so they all fit together well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4 &#8211; Polish The Cotton<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The last step is to polish up the look of the exposed cotton. For loose pieces, you can use a hot glue gun and press them into the main boll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remove any debris that may have collected as well until you have a nice white surface on each boll. These are the eye-catching part of the stalk so spend the most time here if you want that best look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bonus &#8211; Seal &amp; Paint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This step is a bonus to further preserve the stalks and add even more to the decor. You can stop after the last step and ignore this if you don&#8217;t want to take it this far. But, it does improve the lasting quality of your cotton stems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A clear acrylic spray is used to seal flowers and other plant material very effectively. You can use this same spray on your cotton stalks to preserve them further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Last, but not least, you can even paint the branches to make flashier designs within bouquets, wreaths, and centerpieces. While this takes away a bit from the natural look, a nice gold paint can look great for a fall design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The options are endless for finishing your decor beyond the natural look. But, most people will stick to the natural beauty of the raw cotton stalk!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Do Preserved Cotton Stems Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"container-lazyload preview-lazyload container-youtube js-lazyload--not-loaded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/EORI684yTyY\" class=\"lazy-load-youtube preview-lazyload preview-youtube\" data-video-title=\"Cotton Arrangement Ideas - Cotton Boll Decor Ideas - Natural Decor and Crafts to Make and Sell\" title=\"Play video &quot;Cotton Arrangement Ideas - Cotton Boll Decor Ideas - Natural Decor and Crafts to Make and Sell&quot;\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/EORI684yTyY<\/a><noscript>Video can&#8217;t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/EORI684yTyY\" title=\"Cotton Arrangement Ideas - Cotton Boll Decor Ideas - Natural Decor and Crafts to Make and Sell\">Cotton Arrangement Ideas &#8211; Cotton Boll Decor Ideas &#8211; Natural Decor and Crafts to Make and Sell (https:\/\/youtu.be\/EORI684yTyY)<\/a><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you keep your stalks safe and preserve them right from the get-go, your preserved cotton stems can last up to 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most other decors that you can produce on the homestead won&#8217;t last half as long! Just growing a couple of cotton plants will provide your decor needs for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do You Show Cotton Stems?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cotton stalks are normally found in centerpieces during the fall. You could also include them in fall wreaths with other fall decors from the homestead, including other plant materials, colorful leaves, and vines from your gourds. The cotton stems also make for a nice bouquet for those looking for a simpler design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Season Do You Decorate With Cotton?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cotton stalks and decorations are typically displayed in the fall to coincide with the end of the harvest season. Since you now know how to preserve cotton stalks on your own, you can display them year-round if you&#8217;d like!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ready To Preserve Your Own?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sure, people pay a lot of money for preserved cotton stalks and others make artificial DIY cotton stems to replace the real thing. But, you can make your own as long as you are <a href=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-grow-cotton-commercially\/\">growing your cotton<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, as I said, people will pay for cotton stalks for home d\u00e9cor. Adding an income stream to your homestead is never a bad idea!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/4-1.jpg\" alt=\"how to preserve cotton stalks Frequently Asked Questions\" class=\"wp-image-12480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/4-1.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/4-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/4-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/4-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1685355057707\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">1. Are commercially grown cotton stalks a by-product of cotton production that could be used for decorative purposes?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, for the most part, after the harvest commercially grown cotton stalks are mowed down to help prevent boll weevil proliferation, so they are not a by-product of the commercial cotton industry.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1685355071042\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">2. What do I need to do to get my home-grown cotton stalks ready to be preserved?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You should trim your cotton stalks to the length you want and then carefully trim away any excess leaves. Use a soft brush and\/or coarse cloth to brush away dirt and debris.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1685355072299\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">3. What are the pros and cons of popular ways to preserve cotton stalks?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Hanging them upside down to dry for a week is the most natural preservation method, but it is time consuming and drying alone is not a very robust preservation technique. To speed up the drying process, you may wish to use a silica gel or glycerin solution. Once your cotton stalks are thoroughly dry, preserving the stalks and cotton bolls by sealing them with clear or tinted acrylic spray paint will enhance their appearance and prolong the effectiveness of preservation.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1685355073018\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">4. What\u2019s the best way to display preserved cotton stalks to keep them from breaking down?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Dried cotton stalks are essentially dried flowers, so you would treat them in the same way as you would a dried flower arrangement. Choose a setting that is protected from direct sunlight, airy, warm and dry. It should also be off the beaten path to avoid possible collisions with passers-by. Put your dried cotton stalks in a container that will provide plenty of support to avoid toppling.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1685355073773\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">5. How can you be sure boll weevils aren\u2019t living in decorative dried cotton stalks?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Before preserving cotton stalks, examine them thoroughly for signs of boll weevils and other pests (e.g. webbing, frass, bored holes, actual bugs and\/or larvae). If you didn\u2019t grow your cotton yourself, be sure that you are getting the stalks from a trusted source. If you purchase preserved cotton stalks and find bugs of any kind present, alert your county agricultural agent.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cotton stems are a decorative display that can be produced on your homestead. But, proper efforts must be put forward to make your display last. It&#8217;s time to learn how to preserve cotton stalks! How Do You Make Preserved Cotton Stalks? Cotton stalks are very popular decoration during the fall. Plenty of people go out &#8230; <a title=\"How To Preserve Cotton Stalks?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-preserve-cotton-stalks\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How To Preserve Cotton Stalks?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":12480,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[43],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7914"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7914"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12483,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7914\/revisions\/12483"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12480"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}