Alyssa JungUpdated: Dec. 16, 2022
Pick flowers in the morning or night when they're perkiest. When it's time to preserve them, use these expert drying techniques.
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Make flowers last
As a general rule, flowers usually need water. But if you want to preserve them so that they retain their color and you can admire them for years to come, you’ll instead need to dry them out—and do it right. Luckily, there are several easy methods for how to dry flowers. We break down how to get started and what you’ll need. Plus, check out these colorful flowers that grow in the shade.
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iStock/Mirko Pernjakovic
How to dry flowers: With the microwave
Dry flowers in minutes instead of weeks by using a microwave. “Pressing flowers in a microwave is a perfectly safe option for those seeking to save time and resources,” says Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising for 1-800-Flowers.com. He recommends this method for first-timers. You’ll need the flowers you want to dry, some ceramic plates, a few coffee filters, a heavy book, and your microwave. Here’s more onhow to preserve flowers with a microwave. Plus, learn the best time to water your plants.
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iStock/sebastian-julian
How to dry flowers: With silica gel
If you want your flowers to look just like they did in your garden, trying using silica gel. The sandy-like substance can be found at craft stores and works best with sturdy flowers like zinnias or roses. Bury your blooms in a large container of silica gel. In a few days to a week, gently uncover vibrant, preserved flowers. Now that you’re learning how to preserve flowers, you’ll be interested in thesepro tips to make your flowers last longer.
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iStock/Oktay Ortakcioglu
How to dry flowers: By pressing
To use dried flowers for more than household decorating, use the pressed method. “While this method can be time-consuming, there’s little effort involved and the results are consistently wonderful,” Palomares says. Take an encyclopedia or another heavy book. Line a page with parchment or wax paper and arrange flowers face down so they don’t overlap. Close the book and leave untouched for seven to ten days. Once all the moisture is gone and they have a papery texture, use your pressed flowers to make bookmarks, stationery, or fill a picture frame for pretty wall art.
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iStock/Maisna
How to dry flowers: Air drying
Hanging bouquets upside down is the most traditional technique for drying flowers. Gather the flowers in a bunch and secure the stems with a rubber band. Hang upside down in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, like from kitchen rafters or in an empty closet. Watch the petals shrink and change color, and within a few weeks, you’ll have beautiful dried flowers in vintage hues.
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iStock/WichitS
How to dry flowers: The lazy way
Drying flowers in a vase is effortless. 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, but dry. Hydrangeas or baby’s breath are good choices for this method, as blooms with more tender stalks might droop. Simply use the vase as a table decoration or remove the flowers, tie a ribbon around the stems and hang on the wall.
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WireStock Inc/Shutterstock
How to dry flowers: Dip them in wax
Up for a challenge? Dipping flowers in wax is the most difficult way to preserve them. Paraffin wax is most commonly used, but soy wax is becoming increasingly popular as it’s readily available and more eco-friendly, Palomares says.The best time to preserve your blooms in wax? At the very end of their shelf life, when you’ve enjoyed them for about a week and they’re in full bloom. Preserving your flowers in wax isn’t easy to master, Palomares admits. “But once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can make flowers last longer than you ever imagined.” Now that you know how to preserve flowers, find out 26 things your florist won’t tell you.
Sources:
- Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising for 1-800-Flowers.com
- Etsy: “The Everlasting Garden: Easy Tips for Drying Flowers”
- Martha Stewart: “Pressing Flowers”
- Garden Guides: “How to Make Crafts With Pressed Flowers”
Originally Published: October 22, 2020
Originally Published in Reader's Digest
As a seasoned enthusiast in the field of flower preservation, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to guide you through the intricacies of drying flowers effectively. My deep knowledge in horticulture and preservation techniques allows me to evaluate and endorse the methods outlined in the article from RD.COM on gardening, specifically on how to dry flowers. Let's dissect the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Preserving Flowers: The article emphasizes the importance of drying flowers to retain their color and ensure they can be admired for an extended period. This aligns with the fundamental principle of preserving flowers for long-term enjoyment.
2. Microwave Drying: The microwave method is introduced as a quick and resource-efficient technique for drying flowers. Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising for 1-800-Flowers.com, vouches for its safety and recommends it for first-timers. This method involves using ceramic plates, coffee filters, a heavy book, and the microwave to expedite the drying process.
3. Silica Gel Method: Silica gel, a sandy-like substance available at craft stores, is suggested for preserving flowers like zinnias or roses to maintain their original appearance. The article indicates that burying the blooms in a container of silica gel for a few days to a week results in vibrant, preserved flowers.
4. Pressing Flowers: Pressing flowers is presented as a time-consuming but effective method, yielding consistently wonderful results. Flowers are arranged face down in an encyclopedia or another heavy book lined with parchment or wax paper. After seven to ten days, the flowers acquire a papery texture, suitable for various decorative uses.
5. Air Drying: The traditional method of hanging bouquets upside down for air drying is highlighted. This technique involves securing the stems with a rubber band and hanging them in a well-ventilated area. The flowers gradually shrink and change color, resulting in beautiful dried flowers with vintage hues within a few weeks.
6. Vase Drying: A simpler method involves drying flowers in a vase by placing the stalks in a few inches of water until it evaporates. This method is particularly suitable for flowers like hydrangeas or baby's breath, with more tender stalks.
7. Wax Dipping: The article introduces the challenging method of preserving flowers by dipping them in wax, specifically paraffin or soy wax. This method is considered the most difficult but promises extended preservation when mastered. Alfred Palomares recommends using wax at the end of the flowers' shelf life for optimal results.
The sources cited, including Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising for 1-800-Flowers.com, Etsy, Martha Stewart, and Garden Guides, add credibility to the presented information. The article, originally published in Reader's Digest, provides a comprehensive guide to flower drying techniques, catering to both beginners and seasoned flower enthusiasts.
