Drying flowers out


How to Dry Flowers: 4 Simple Ways + Decor Ideas

From prom corsages to your wedding day centerpiece, flowers set the tone for a magical experience and a memorable event. But what do you do with the flowers after a special day has ended? Dry them!

When you dry flowers, you can save all your favorite blooms for as long as you want to keep them. And not only do dried flowers last, but you can also use them to decorate your home. Whether you want to line your mantle with dried roses, create dried flower arrangements to hang in your bedroom or scent your home with potpourri, dried flowers are your answer.

To help you get started, we have a guide that walks you through how to dry flowers four different ways. We’ve also included tables to help you figure out how long to dry the flowers for and inspiration for how to include dried flowers in your home so you too can preserve roses and flowers for yourself.

 

How to Air Dry Flowers

 

 

What you’ll need:

 

 

Step 1:  Prepare flowers by removing leaves.

 

 

To begin, remove any extra foliage from the flower stems. It’s okay to leave some leaves on the stem if you like the look of greenery, they will dry too.

 

Step 2: Group flowers and tie them together.

 

 

Group flowers as desired and tie the string around the base. If the stems are too long (personal preference), cut to your desired length.

 

Step 3: Attach the flowers to a stick.

 

 

Tie the other end of your string to a stick. Some alternatives to sticks include hangers, driftwood, copper poles or a hook. Regardless of what you choose, make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold flowers for a long period of time.

 

Step 4: Hang the flowers to dry.

 

 

Hang the stick in a location that is out of the way so the delicate flowers won’t get damaged. They should also be hung in a dark environment or a place that gets minimal light. Any direct light will cause the colors to fade.

 

Step 5: Leave for three to four weeks and display!

 

 

Once you hang the flowers, they will do the rest. In three to four weeks they should be completely dry. To keep pristine, spray with unscented hairspray. If you decide to display them as decor, be sure to keep the dried flower wall art in a location that doesn’t get direct light.

 

How to Dry Flowers in Microwave

 

 

What you’ll need:

 

 

Step 1: Remove leaves and place in container.

 

 

Remove any unwanted leaves from the flower and cut so that it fits in the container. Fill the microwave-safe container with a thin layer of silica sand and place flower on top.

 

Step 2: Cover flower with silica sand.

 

Cover the flower completely with silica sand. If the flowers are small, you can place multiple in the same container, but be sure they are completely covered in the sand.

 

Step 3: Microwave in thirty second intervals.

 

 

Place the container in the microwave with a cup of water. Heat in microwave in 30 second increments. Check until the flower looks dry. Depending on the density of the flower, this should take two to three minutes.

 

Step 4: Check flower and then leave in sand for 24 hours.

 

 

Once the flower’s petals appear dry, re-bury it and leave for 24 hours. This will ensure that the flower is completely dry.

 

Step 5: Remove from sand and display!

 

 

Remove flower from the silica sand and brush off any extra grains that are stuck to the petals. Spray with unscented hairspray to keep pristine. Put your dried flowers on display in your home or use them as a craft. Similar to air drying, keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading.

 

When drying flowers in the microwave, the time it will take varies depending on the density of the flowers. For these popular flowers, follow the chart for reference:

Flower Size Flowers Time in Microwave
Small, open-faced flowers
  • baby’s breath
  • buttercup
  • fern
  • feverfew
  • heather
  • pansy
1 to 2 minutes
Medium, multi-petaled flowers
  • aster
  • azalea
  • bachelor button
  • calendula
  • daisy
  • delphinium
  • foxglove
  • larkspur
2 to 3 minutes
Large, dense flowers
  • carnations
  • chrysanthemum
  • gardenia
  • hyacinth
  • hydrangea
  • marigold
  • orchid
  • peony
  • rose
  • snapdragon
  • stock
3 to 3.5 minutes

How to Dry Flowers in Silica Sand

 

If you have the time and want to ensure that your flowers are preserved in pristine color, you can also leave flowers to dry in the silica sand without putting them in the microwave. This will allow you to use a bigger container that lets you keep the stems long. Simply place flowers in the container and cover with silica sand. Follow the table below to find how many days they should remain covered for.

Flower Number of Days in Sand
  • Acacia
  • Anemone
  • Aster
  • Buttercup
  • butterfly bush
  • Celosia
  • Cornflower
  • Cosmos
  • Daisy
  • Delphinium
  • Deutzia
  • dusty miller
  • Ferns
  • Forget-me-not
  • Foxglove
  • Heather
  • lamb’s ear
  • Larkspur
  • Lilac
  • Lupine
  • Pansy
  • Sage
  • Salvia
  • viola
2 to 3 days
  • Ageratum
  • Azalea
  • baby’s breath
  • bachelor’s button
  • bells of ireland
  • bridal wreath
  • Candytuft
  • canterbury bells
  • Carnation
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Columbine
  • Daffodil
  • Dogwood
  • Gladiolus
  • Hydrangea
  • Iris
  • Lavender
  • Lily-of-the-valley
  • Snapdragon
  • Stock
  • tassel flower
3 to 4 days
  • Calendula
  • Camellia
  • Dahlia
  • Gardenia
  • Marigold
  • Ranunculus
  • Rose
  • Scabiosa
  • Snow-on-the-mountain
  • zinnia
4 to 5 days
  • Begonia
  • Hyacinth
  • Orchid
  • peony
5 to 6 days
  • English laurel
  • Ivy leaf
7 days

How to Dry Flowers in a Flower Press

Another common method of drying flowers is by pressing them. You can press flowers flowers four different ways, depending what you have available and how much time you have. The four ways include pressing flowers with a book, a flower press, an iron and the microwave. Intrigued? Check out the step-by-step of how to press flowers.

 

Dried Flower Inspiration

Once you’ve dried your flowers, you can put them on display. The beauty of this craft is that it will last for months. We’ve rounded up creative ways that people have used dried flowers to give you inspiration.

 

Inspired to create dried flower decor? Check out our mixed flower bouquets to find a variety of blooms that you can repurpose after you’ve enjoyed their fresh floral scents.

How to Dry and Preserve Flowers: 3 Ways + Ideas

living / home-decor / how to dry flowers

December 16, 2020

Not sure what to do with your Valentine’s Day flowers after the holiday, or want to commemorate blooms gifted to you on a special date? It turns out that making a floral keepsake of your special memories is easier than you may think.  

Whether it’s your priceless bridal bouquet or a particularly important arrangement from a loved one, you have a few options for drying or preserving your flowers when it comes to saving the beauty and sentimental value of your blooms.

Shop Best Selling Flowers

Fiesta Bouquet

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The Fiesta Bouquet is composed of a lively mix, fit to celebrate any and every moment. With a combination of vibrant flowers, this florist–designed arrangement brings a pop of color and a burst of excitement as soon as it arrives.

Please Note: The bouquet pictured reflects our original design for this product. While we always try to follow the color palette, we may replace stems to deliver the freshest bouquet possible, and we may sometimes need to use a different vase.

Light of My Life Bouquet

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The Light of My Life Bouquet blossoms with brilliant color and a sweet sophistication to create the perfect impression! Pink Lilies make the eyes dance across the unique design of this flower bouquet, surrounded by the blushing colors of orange roses, lavender cushion poms, hot pink carnations, and lush greens. Presented in a clear glass vase, this fresh flower arrangement has been created just for you to help you send your sweetest thank you, happy anniversary, or thinking of you wishes.

Please Note: The bouquet pictured reflects our original design for this product. While we always try to follow the color palette, we may replace stems to deliver the freshest bouquet possible, and we may sometimes need to use a different vase.

Beyond Blue Bouquet

$55 - $92

Shipped in a Gift Box

There is something about the shade of blue that brings a sense of calmness and serenity. Our Beyond Blue bouquet is designed with billowing white blooms and pops of bold florals to deliver just the right sentiment for any reason.

Please Note: The bouquet pictured reflects our original design for this product. While we always try to follow the color palette, we may replace stems to deliver the freshest bouquet possible, and we may sometimes need to use a different vase.

You might be wondering how to dry flowers or where to start! No matter if you choose to dry your flowers or opt for another method of preserving them, you’re sure to have a stunningly special symbol of an important memory. Check out our step-by-step guides below for different methods of both drying and preserving your flowers. 

How to Dry Flowers

Drying flowers is a popular option for saving flowers, especially for those wanting a romantic, quaint look for their blooms. Dried flowers can be used as decor to add texture to a living area, a conversation-starter dining table centerpiece or as a tangible reminder of a special memory. 

Before you get started, here are some pro tips to keep in mind to make the drying process as seamless as possible, as well as to ensure that your flowers are up to the task: 

Now that you know the basics of air drying flowers, let’s get started with some of the different options you have: air drying and microwave drying. Keep in mind that dried flowers fade quickly in sunlight or extreme heat, so be sure to keep your flowers in cool areas and away from windows.

How to Air Dry Flowers

Air drying flowers is one of the most traditional, albeit more time-consuming, methods of drying your blooms. This method involves letting nature do most of the work to dry your flowers out over time, with you being able to sit back, relax and wait for the end result. 

This method works best for bouquets or larger floral arrangements, as well as bigger flowers such as sunflowers.  

Here’s the steps to take when air drying flowers:

  1. Strip excess foliage from flowers and cut stems to desired length (no shorter than six inches). To help flowers retain their color during the drying process, make sure to remove them from sunlight as soon as they’re cut. 

  2. Hang flowers individually or rubber-band stems together to hang a bouquet.

  3. Find a dark, dry area with good circulation, such as an attic or unused closet. With unflavored dental floss, secure the bottom of the flowers’ stems to a hanger so that they hang upside down to dry. 

  4. Leave flowers for two to three weeks until completely dry.

  5. Remove flowers from hangers and spray with unscented hairspray for protection.

How to Dry Flowers with a Microwave

If you’re looking for a quicker alternative to air-drying, good news: you can have beautifully dried flowers, using an appliance you likely use every day. The microwave method of drying flowers requires silica gel, which you can find in craft stores. The gel preserves the shape of the flowers, and can be used over and over again.

Here’s how to microwave dry your flowers:

  1. Find a microwave-safe container that will both hold your flowers and fit into the microwave. Do not use a dish you want to use for food again after this project.

  2. Cover the bottom of the container with an inch or two of silica gel, a bit more for larger blossoms. Place flowers blossom-up in the gel and then pour more gel over the petals. Pour gently, or use your hands, so that petals don’t get flattened.

  3. Place the uncovered container in the microwave. Microwave temperature and time will vary according to the type of flower, so this step requires a bit of trial and error. Start the microwave on one or two heat levels above defrost for 2-5 minutes. Roses can withstand more heat, while daisies are best dried at lower temperatures.

  4. Check your flower’s progress in the microwave after about a minute, and then every 30 seconds. Increase heat and time as needed.

  5. Once flowers have completely dried, open the microwave and immediately cover the container. 

  6. Remove the covered container from the microwave, open the top a quarter of a centimeter, and let it sit for 24 hours.

  7. Clean the gel from the petals with a fine-tip brush and then mist with an acrylic spray (also available at craft stores).

  8. Finally, display or use your dried flowers in craft projects as you like. 

How To Preserve Flowers

If you’re interested in alternative ways to preserve flowers, including ideas for craft projects to display your dried or preserved flowers in, look no further. From preserving flowers in resin to pressing flowers, you have plenty of options to choose from. Learn more about the different methods of preserving flowers below!

How to Preserve Dried Flowers

When preserving dried flowers, you’re ensuring that your dried flowers last as long as they can. While dried flowers are able to be enjoyed longer than fresh ones, dried flowers still run the risk of fading or crumbling over time. 

Preservation methods, like dipping them in wax, framing them, drying them in resin and more give your dried flowers even more of a new lease on life. After your flowers have been preserved, you can use them as decor, jewelry or statement pieces in your home to serve as living memories. 

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when preserving dried flowers, so your projects can stay around for years to come. 

  1. Wait until your flowers partially or fully open before drying and preserving them. 

  2. Drying works best for more robust flowers or whole bouquets (such as roses) while pressing is the best method for preserving smaller, more delicate flowers (like lavender sprigs or daisies). 

  3. Dried flowers can last for a long time no matter the preservation technique, but make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat to help your flowers keep their color.  

  4. Keep your flowers strong by spraying your flowers with acrylic seal or wax when finished, no matter which preservation technique you choose. 

How to Preserve Flowers in Resin

Preserving dried flowers in epoxy resin is another very popular method for showing off meaningful flowers. Keep in mind that resin is a potent chemical that can be dangerous to breathe in, so you should always wear a mask or facial covering when pouring, mixing or dealing with resin. 

It’s easier to preserve dried, not fresh, flowers in resin, and most any flower can be used in a resin creation. 

Resin Flower Materials:

Now that you have your materials ready, here’s how to preserve flowers in resin.

  1. Mix the hardener and base resin. All epoxy resins consist of these two-part systems, which ensures your resin will cure smoothly. The exact ratios of the hardener and base will vary based on brand and type of resin, so read instructions on your particular type carefully. Let dry between 12–48 hours. 

  2. Once your resin has been properly mixed, pour the resin base into your silicone mold of choice. Ensure your mold is dust- and lint-free before pouring, as anything in the mold will float in the resin. Pour resin to a thickness of your liking, though be careful not to fill anywhere higher than half the height of your mold. 

  3. Use a heat tool (such as a hairdryer) to remove any air bubbles from the resin. 

  4. Place flowers face-down into your silicone mold, using a toothpick (not your hands) to arrange to your liking. If you’re including additional items, such as free-standing petals, leaves, glitter or beads, arrange them as well. 

  5. Let cure for approximately five hours. 

  6. Once the initial layer of resin has cured, carefully pour the second layer into your mold. Use a heat tool to carefully remove air bubbles from the resin.

  7. Let the second layer cure for another five hours, carefully checking to remove air bubbles when they form.  

  8. Check your mold after the second layer has cured. At this time, the resin isn’t fully cured but should not be sticky. 

  9. Carefully remove from silicone mold. The object will still be slightly flexible, so remove mold slowly to prevent creasing or breakage. 

  10. Leave your object in a flat position on a paper towel or plate to finish hardening. If needed, sand any sharp edges with sandpaper to create a smooth finish.

Preserving flowers in resin can be used for jewelry, decor, memory boxes and more. Be careful to keep your resin creations out of direct sunlight, as over time it can bleach the flowers and cause the project to become opaque instead of clear. 

Additional Ideas on How to Preserve Flowers  

With all the many options of how to preserve flowers out there, it can be hard to choose just one. To help you narrow it down, here are nine more suggestions on ways to preserve your dried flowers, from art projects to floral decor that can be enjoyed for years to come.  

From birthday flowers to ones gifted after a recital, these methods of preserving flowers will help keep those special memories alive with commemorative keepsakes. Be sure to share your dried or preserved flowers with us — we love sharing crafty photos with our community!

For a long memory: drying flowers

Drying flowers is only at first glance a simple task. The flower itself will dry up after a while. But will it retain its beauty and not fade? Petals and leaves will not be rumpled? To avoid all these troubles, you need to follow some rules.

Roses, even when dried, do not lose their attractiveness and elegance

Rules for drying flowers

  1. Pick only dried flowers when all the drops of dew or rain have dried. Wet plants will mold faster than dry. nine0012
  2. Harvested plants should be dried as soon as they are picked. When they are withered, it will be much more difficult to straighten the petals.
  3. Collect more material. During drying, many flowers can go to waste. In addition, among the already prepared dried plants, you will have the opportunity to select the best ones.
  4. In addition to flowers, branches of shrubs and trees, herbs, leaves, berries, moss and even tree roots are suitable for drying. Maple leaves, ears of corn, reeds are often dried. nine0012

In a humid room, plants dry slowly and lose their decorative properties

How to dry flowers

There are several different ways to dry flowers.

  1. Book drying. This is the simplest, most popular and affordable method of flat drying flowers. It is suitable for those samples that initially have a flat shape, for example, for many field samples.

It is advisable to take an old book, where the paper is offset: glossy does not absorb moisture well. Make pockets out of ordinary white paper, place plants there and put them in a book, skipping a few pages between them. This is necessary so that the remnants of the paint are not imprinted on the flowers. nine0003

After filling the book, it should be put away for a month, pressing down on top of a stack of other books as a press.

Flowers dried in a book can be used to make jewelry or floral collages

  1. Air drying flowers. Drying plants requires a cool room. It can be a balcony or a well-ventilated room. Those who live in their own home can afford to dry flowers outdoors. Thus, you can dry wild flowers: chamomile, cornflowers, marigolds - and garden flowers: roses, peonies, hydrangea. nine0012

Some mistakenly believe that flowers should be dried in a closed and hot room. In fact, heat and lack of air will spoil the appearance of plants.

The room must be warm (at least 10°C warm), clean and free of dust. Also, it must be dry.

Flowers should never be dried in direct sunlight. This makes them lethargic and faded: the sun destroys chlorophyll and the plants lose their color. Therefore, drying in the sun is suitable only for unpainted parts (roots, seeds). nine0003

A bouquet of dried flowers for a wedding also looks beautiful and will last for a long time

To dry the flowers in the air, stretch a rope or wire between the walls. Hang metal hooks, the distance between which will depend on the size of the flowers. Flowers are usually hung individually on such hooks, but drying in bunches is also possible. The most important thing is not to tie the bundles too tight. This can break the stems and crush the petals.

Bouquets can be made not only from dried flowers, but also ears of corn, berries, dried flowers

Drying flowers in sand

To dry plants in sand, the first step is to sift and calcinate it. In wet sand, the flowers will deteriorate, acquire ugly spots. Pour the sand into the bottom of the cardboard box, place the prepared flowers (spread the petals, remove the leaves) and carefully pour in the sand until it covers the inflorescences. Store boxes of sand in a cool, dark place for about two weeks. nine0003

It is also possible to dry the flowers with salt or semolina. The main problem that you may encounter here is the difficulty in cleaning dried flowers from these loose materials.

Natural drying is good for cereals: put them in a vase without water, they will dry out without losing their shape. Immediately remove it from the bouquet. Dry compositions are very fragile, so be careful when working with them, do not place them in a draft. Dried flowers quickly become covered with dust: it must be removed very carefully, for example, with a weak stream of warm water. You can protect the composition by covering it with glass. nine0003

Dried flowers are ideal for creative work: they can be used to make decorations, fill with resin, or make an unusual Japanese Oshibanu composition.

flower arrangements bouquets flower arrangements Exotics Flower etiquette

Author: Flower delivery service Flora Express

How to dry a bouquet of flowers yourself at home?

11.08.2021

Flowers perfectly complement and decorate the interior. In order not only to prolong the life of the bouquet, but to keep it for many months, you can use the drying of the flowers in the bouquet. If you use popular tips and methods, then the flowers will retain their attractiveness for several years. nine0003

General rules for drying flowers.

Unfortunately, not every flower can be dried properly. Nevertheless, many types of flowers tolerate this operation well.

  • You need to start drying the bouquet before the flowers begin to fade.
  • Try not to let the bud fully open. This will allow the inflorescence to be better preserved. Open buds tend to drop petals.
  • If plants with large buds are used in the bouquet, it is better to separate them and dry them one by one. nine0012
  • To support fragile buds before drying, you can use a wire inserted into the stem.

How to prepare flowers for drying?

  • When picking flowers yourself, keep dew off the flowers.
  • It is better to separate the dense bouquet and dry the flowers separately to improve air exchange.
  • When drying the flowers in a bouquet, tie them with a ribbon or rope at the base of the stems, but do not pull them too tightly. nine0012
  • Remove the lower leaves and thorns from the stems of roses.

Types of dried flowers.

Consider the main types of drying flowers in bouquets and individual flowers, without touching on the topic of flat drying under pressure.

Air drying

A method accessible to most, characterized by its simplicity, but at the same time quite effective. Drying time can be up to 40 days.

  • Air drying is best done in a dark, dry room with good air circulation. This will help prevent mold. nine0012
  • Stretch the twine (line, twine) and hang the flowers with the buds down. Do not forget that large bouquets must be separated and dried flowers individually or in small bunches.
  • Hang the flowers at some distance from each other, for free air circulation. 10-15 centimeters will be enough.
  • Periodically check how dry the flowers are. This can be done with a toothpick. Dried flower petals are brittle and hard.
  • nine0011 When dried by hanging, the leaves retain their natural direction and the flowers look great in a vase.
  • When drying, you can lightly spray the bouquet with varnish to protect it from dust.
  • Plants with small flowers can be air dried without hanging. To do this, carefully wrap the flowers in paper and place them in cardboard boxes.

Microwave drying of flowers.

Quite an unusual use of a microwave oven. This method is very effective and you can dry the flowers very quickly - from 2 to 10 minutes. But be prepared that this operation may not work properly on the first try. nine0003

  • Take a microwave-safe container and coat the bottom with silica gel.
  • Trim the stems 3-4 cm from the bud.
  • Place the plants inside the container and carefully cover with silica gel.
  • Dry on medium power for 1-2 minutes and check every half minute until the desired result.
  • After drying, leave the flower container to cool for about a day.
  • Once completely cooled and dry, carefully remove the flowers and use a soft brush to brush away any remaining silica gel. nine0012
  • To fix the result, you can use acrylic lacquer in a bottle, spraying the dried plant with it.

This method preserves the color and is therefore suitable for vibrant colors. For delicate florets, you can use the defrost setting at low power, and for too small florets, microwave drying may not be suitable.

Drying flowers in a convection oven

Let's note right away that a conventional oven is most likely not suitable. The main condition is the ability to set a low temperature of 38-40 degrees. nine0003

  • Arrange the flowers on a baking sheet lined with paper. You can use a fine grid to place the flowers in a vertical state.
  • Place the tray in the preheated oven. The time sufficient for drying is 6-8 hours, depending on the size and density of the plants.

Bulk drying in desiccants

Drying with desiccants or desiccants is suitable for flowers with large and medium buds. Silica gel, salt, semolina, borax, sand, talc are used as a moisture-absorbing filler. nine0003

Silica gel dries fastest - two to seven days, depending on plant size and density. You can buy it at the pet store (cat litter). With salt, this process will take up to 35 days.

How to bulk dry in desiccants?
  • Sprinkle your chosen filler on the bottom of the container.
  • Arrange the flowers and cover with a layer of desiccant.
  • Close container tightly to prevent moisture from entering. When using borax, do not close the container. nine0012
  • When using sand, wash it, bake it in the oven and sift through a sieve.
  • Silica gel can be reused. To do this, it must be dried in the oven.
  • When salt is used as a filler, it is better to choose “Extra” fine salt.

What is your preferred method of drying flowers?

Some colors prefer to air dry, others prefer to dry in the microwave, and others prefer to dry in desiccants. Let's take a quick look at a few options. nine0003

How to dry a bouquet of roses?

  • Bulk dry in desiccants to keep the bud shape.
  • When air drying, separate the bouquet into separate stems. Drying will be better.
  • For drying it is worth selecting a fresh rose. Do not wait for the bouquet of roses presented to you to fade.
  • When drying in sand, do not cover the bud completely.
  • When drying roses, give preference to unopened buds with dense petals and leaves. nine0012
  • When air drying, cover hanging roses with gauze to prevent dust from settling on them.

Drying a bunch of wildflowers.

Wildflowers are characterized by small inflorescences and the herbarium method is excellent for them. But if you still want to keep the volume, then use the method of hanging the bouquet. Try to provide adequate ventilation in the room to avoid mold. Gypsophila, lavender, yarrow, celosia and others are suitable for this method. Sufficient drying time - 2-3 weeks. nine0003

Gypsophila can be dried in a suspended state, and in a vase without water.

How to dry a wedding bouquet

A wedding bouquet is an important part of a memorable date and image of a bride. Many brides try to keep it as a symbol of an important event and the beginning of a new life. In order for the composition to retain its attractive appearance, certain rules must be followed when drying.

Most of the drying methods we have discussed can be applied to the wedding bouquet. But since the composition of the bouquet is varied, the drying method should also be chosen based on this. nine0003