4 Effective Methods to Dry Flowers for Lasting Blooms

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Dried flowers serve as a beautiful and long-lasting addition to home decor, offering a unique aesthetic without requiring much effort to maintain. Whether for a charming tablescape, a colorful coffee table accent, or inspiring DIY wall art, utilizing dried flowers can enhance any space effortlessly. According to Kelsea Olivia, CEO and creative director of East Olivia, dried florals are ideal for those seeking the elegance of flowers without the continual upkeep that fresh arrangements demand.

Moreover, preserving flowers from significant occasions like weddings can transform them into lasting keepsakes. Lacie Porta, owner and designer at Framed Florals, notes the sentimental value of having the same flowers from one’s wedding bouquet on display. “It’s just a cool thing to be able to have something on your wall that doesn’t necessarily scream wedding,” she explains. This subtle touch serves as a heartfelt reminder of cherished moments rather than the overt displays of framed photographs or invitations.

A dried bouquet can brighten a room while requiring no attention.

Exploring Four Popular Flower Drying Methods

In the following sections, discover various methods for drying flowers, ranging from using silica gel to pressing them with heavy books.

Air-Drying

Air-drying, one of the most popular methods, entails hanging flowers upside down, allowing them to dry over time. This technique is particularly beneficial for preserving the shape and structure of flowers, making it an excellent option for bouquets. Kelsie Hayes, founder and CEO of PopupFlorist, mentions that although it might take longer, the visual results are stunning. She suggests grouping a maximum of five larger blooms together and ten smaller ones while ensuring they are not exposed to direct sunlight, which can lead to quicker color fading.

Materials needed:

• Stems of fresh flowers
• Twine or rubber bands
• Racks, hangers, or similar items for support

Steps:

1. Select flowers at peak bloom.
2. Remove leaves from stems and trim to your desired length.
3. Choose a well-ventilated dry space for hanging.
4. Secure the flowers using twine or rubber bands and hang them upside down.
5. Ensure flowers are spaced apart to avoid contact.
6. Wait two to three weeks, until the blooms feel dry and brittle before removing them.

Pressing

Pressing flowers, a method that uses a heavy object like a book, yields flat floral shapes ideal for various decorative purposes. Lacie Porta emphasizes the versatility of pressed flowers, stating, “They hold a lot of special meaning, which is my favorite part.”

Materials needed:

• Heavy books

Steps:

1. Find a few heavy books to create a flower press.
2. Open the book and place the flowers inside, ensuring they are spaced with a few pages in between.
3. To help absorb moisture, consider an extra layer around the flowers with construction paper, tissue paper, or similar materials—avoid newspaper to prevent ink transfer.
4. Close the book, and for added pressure, stack additional heavy books on top.
5. Check back after one to two weeks for dryness; once they feel brittle, they are ready for removal.

Heating

This method involves using an oven to dry flowers quickly, making it advantageous for situations where time is limited. To execute this technique, set your oven to a low heat of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the flowers evenly spaced on a baking sheet and monitor their progress closely. Porta advises checking after an hour to make sure they do not burn.

Materials needed:

• Baking sheet

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
2. Arrange the flowers on the baking sheet with enough space between them.
3. Place the baking sheet in the oven and check after an hour; if not yet brittle, continue checking to avoid burning.

Sand/Silica Gel

Utilizing silica gel, available at craft stores, can effectively preserve flowers while providing a realistic appearance. As Porta suggests, silica gel can be reused after drying it out in the oven if it retains moisture, making it a convenient option for flower preservation.

Materials needed:

• Silica gel
• Container for flowers

Steps:

1. Pour silica gel into a container.
2. Remove leaves and trim stems appropriately.
3. Carefully layer flowers within the silica gel, ensuring coverage between petals.
4. Seal the container and let it sit for two to seven days until the flowers are dry.
5. Once dried, remove them gently and use a dry brush to clean off any remaining gel.
6. Store leftover silica gel in an air-tight container for future use.

Understanding the Drying Time for Flowers

A dried flower bouquet becomes a timeless decorative piece, offering lasting beauty in any setting.

Source
www.architecturaldigest.com