How to Dry Flowers: 5 Awesome Ways to Preserve a Bouquet
Alyssa Jung
Pick flowers in themorning or night when they’re perkiest. When it’s time to preserve them, usethese expert drying techniques
How to dry flowers:With the microwaveDry flowers in minutes instead of weeks by using a microwave. Choose the flowers fordrying. One at a time, place the flower in a microwavable bowl and cover withabout four cups of cat litter. Microwave on high for two to three minutes. Whenthe cat litter is cooled, remove the flower and brush off excess.
How to dry flowers:With silica gel
If you want your flowersto look just like they did in your garden, trying using silica gel. The sandy-likesubstance can be found at craft stores and works best with sturdy flowers likezinnias or roses. Bury your blooms in a large container of silica gel. In a fewdays to a week, gently uncover vibrant, preserved flowers.
How to dry flowers:By pressing
To usedried flowers for more than household decorating, use the pressed method. Take anencyclopedia or other heavy book. Line a page with parchment or wax paper andarrange flowers face down so they don’t overlap. Close the book and leaveuntouched for seven to 10 days. Once all the moisture is gone and they have apapery texture, use your pressed flowers to make bookmarks,stationary, or fill a picture frame for pretty wall art.
How to dry flowers:Air drying
Hanging bouquets upsidedown is the most traditional technique for drying flowers.Gather the flowers in a bunch and secure the stems with a rubber band. Hangupside down in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, like from kitchenrafters or in an empty closet. Watch the petals shrink and change color, andwithin a few weeks you’ll have beautiful dried flowers in vintage hues. Tryarranging them to make this table centerpiece.
How to dry flowers:The lazy way
Drying flowers in a vase iseffortless. Place the stalks in a few inches of water and forget about them.Once all the water is evaporated, the flowers should be upright and perky, butdry. Hydrangeas or baby’s breath are good choices for this method, as bloomswith more tender stalks might droop. Simply use the vase as a table decorationor remove the flowers, tie a ribbon around the stems and hang on the wall.
