Flowers brighten up any space with their unique charm. You can prolong their beauty by drying them. Learning to dry flowers allows you to enjoy them for a long time. This article will take you through the drying process, sharing expert tips and methods for success. You will also learn how to preserve the colours and shapes of your flowers. Finally, you will discover how to display and arrange dried flowers.
Choose the Right Flowers For Drying
In general, particular flowers are better for air-drying than others. Some of the most popular are:
- Lavender is a perfect choice for air-drying because it keeps its scent and colour when dried. It has the most lovely scent and incredible healing properties. When choosing lavender flowers for drying, pick younger buds and collect them in the early morning after the dew has dried, if possible.
- Baby’s breath is a delicate flower that dries quickly and retains its form and colour after drying. It’s one of the most often used flowers in dried floral arrangements and wreaths for front door decorations.
- Roses can be air-dried but must be fully opened and in good condition before being harvested. Roses can take longer to air dry than other flowers, but they retain their fragrance and shape very well.
- Statice is a hardy flower that dries well. It’s often used in dried flower arrangements and bouquets.
- Eucalyptus leaves and branches are easy to air-dry and retain their fragrance and shape when dried. You can use them in other decorative projects as well.
Remember that not all flowers are ideal for air drying. Tulips and daffodils, for example, fail to dry correctly and become mushy and faded.
Flower Drying Methods
The following methods are effective for drying flowers, and you can choose one that suits you best:
Air Drying
Air drying has long been a traditional and effective way of preserving the natural beauty of a bouquet. By following these steps, you achieve great results.
Step 1. Choose the right time
The most suitable time to air-dry florals is before they wilt or fade. You want to capture the flowers at their prime when they are most beautiful and fragrant.
Step 2. Gather the flowers
Choose flowers that are compatible in size and texture. Avoid mixing different flowers because some varieties may dry faster, causing them to wilt and become unsightly. For best results, group similar flowers together.
Step 3. Prepare the flowers
Cut the stems and remove any leaves or foliage. Trimming the branches around two fingers below the flower’s base is generally best. Afterwards, create a bundle and tie the stems together with a rubber band or twine. Remember that some flower varieties may also need their stem supported by floral wire because of their delicate branches.
Step 4. Hang the bouquet
Hang the flowers in a dry and dark place. Tie them with a string or use a hanger to ensure they hang freely. Put the flowers in a ventilated area to prevent mould growth. Depending on the flowers and the area conditions, аir drying process may take a few weeks.
Step 5. Check on the flowers regularly
After a few days, check if the flowers dry evenly. If you notice any flowers that are fading, remove them.
Step 6. Store the dried flowers properly
After drying, put the flowers in a dry and dark area. You can place them in a vase or other DIY projects.
Essentially, the key to successful flower air-drying is to be patient and to choose the right environment for the flowers to dry.
Expert tip: If you want to speed up the air-drying process, use a dehydrator, microwave(be careful not to damage the flowers) or oven.
Drying With Silica Gel
Due to its desiccant properties, silica gel is widely used for drying flowers, including wedding bouquets. The material absorbs moisture quickly and maintains the flowers’ condition.
You need:
- Spread a layer of silica gel to the bottom of a large container.
- Trim the stems of the flower to the desired length.
- Put the flowers in a container, ensuring the gel fully covers them.
- Let them dry for a few days in the container.
This method is effective in keeping the beauty of flowers. Especially useful for ones with delicate shapes or colours.
Drying Flowers in the Microwave
The microwave method is much faster than air-drying one. You need a microwave-safe container and silica gel. Remember to cut the leaves before putting flowers in the microwave. This method is perfect for flower heads and small plants.
First, apply silica gel to a microwave-safe dish and spread your flowers before adding more gel. Place a cup of water near the container. In this way, you prevent them from drying quickly. Finally, once prepared everything, set the microwave to 30-second intervals so you can continuously check the flowers’ condition.
Pressing Flowers
If you want to use the pressing technique, choose flat flowers or the ones with thick petals. All you need to press flowers is tissue paper or baking paper and a heavy book. You need to place the flowers between two sheets of paper. Put a heavy book on top and leave them pressed for several weeks until they are dry. Check your flowers after a week. Use a fresh, dry piece of paper to replace the used one, but be careful because your flowers will be very fragile. Repeat the process if the flowers do not completely dry within four weeks.
Tip: Pressed flowers can be put in frames or used to create note cards, candles, and other home interior elements.
Dried Flowers: How Long Do They Last
Proper care is crucial for keeping dried flowers attractive for a long time. Once your flowers are dry, handle them carefully to avoid damage. Store them in containers like glass jars. Choose a dry and dark place to put them. Garden experts advise adding desiccant packets to the storage container to prevent mould from growing.
Takeaways
- It is best to harvest flowers for drying in the late morning.
- Keep the flowers in a place with fresh air so they dry evenly.
- Remember that some flowers are unsuitable for drying.
- Before dying, thick flowers (roses, peonies) remove the petals.
- Roses, Statice, Hydrangeas and Strawflowers, cannot be hung upside down. You should dry them upright.
- Fresh flat flowers with thin petals, like pansies and daisies, are ideal for the pressing technique.
- Over time, dry flowers may fade, particularly if exposed to direct sunlight.