How To Dry Flowers

Ever found yourself wishing you could freeze a flower's beauty in time, just as it's in its prime? Whether it's holding onto the romance of a wedding bouquet or the simple joy of wildflowers from a memorable day out, drying flowers lets you do just that. Drying flowers allows you to hold onto those moments for much longer. Not only that, the art of preserving flowers can be therapeutic, too. 

But how do you go about preserving your flowers?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various methods on how to make flowers dry. From traditional air drying to modern techniques like microwave drying and resin preservation, you'll learn how to keep your cherished blooms looking their best for years to come.

1. Air Drying

Air drying is perhaps the most traditional method of preserving flowers, so knowing how to dry it can help you maintain the flower's shape and colour. This method is best suited for flowers like roses, lavender, and hydrangea. 

Here’s how you can air dry your flowers effectively:

1. Choose flowers that are not fully open and are free from moisture.
2. Remove excess foliage and cut stems to a uniform length.
3. Tie the stems together with unflavoured dental floss or string.
4. Hang the bouquet upside down in a dark, dry room with good air circulation, such as a cupboard or attic.
5. Allow the flowers to hang undisturbed for 2-3 weeks until completely dry.
6. Once dried, you can spray them lightly with unscented hairspray to aid in preservation.

2. Pressing

Pressing flowers is a wonderful way to preserve their shape and colour for use in more delicate displays like framed art or bookmarks. This method works best with flatter flowers such as violets or pansies.

1. Place the flower between two sheets of parchment paper.
2. Lay the sheets inside a heavy book or use a flower press.
3. Stack additional heavy books on top or tighten the press.
4. Leave them for 2-4 weeks, checking occasionally to see if the moisture has been fully absorbed.
5. Once dried, handle the flowers with care to avoid breakage.

3. Hang Upside Down

Hanging flowers upside down is one of the proven ways on how to make flowers dry. This method is particularly effective for preserving long-stemmed flowers like sunflowers or tulips.

1. Follow the initial steps in the Air Drying section to prepare your flowers.
2. Ensure the space chosen is away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
3. Check the flowers periodically until they have dried completely.

4. Silica Gel Drying

Silica gel drying is a quicker method that helps preserve the vibrant colour and shape of flowers better than air drying. Here’s how to preserve flowers using silica gel.

1. Fill a container with a layer of silica gel.
2. Place the flowers face-up on the gel, and then gently cover them with more gel.
3. Seal the container and leave it for 3-7 days, depending on the flower type.
4. Carefully remove the flowers and brush off any excess gel.

5. Microwave Drying

Microwave drying is a fast method that uses silica gel and a microwave to dry flowers quickly.

1. Prepare the flowers by placing them in a microwave-safe container filled with silica gel.
2. Place the container in the microwave alongside a cup of water (to prevent overheating).
3. Microwave on a low setting in short intervals, checking frequently until the flowers are dry.

6. Resin Preservation

Resin preservation allows you to encapsulate flowers in a clear resin, creating beautiful decorative pieces or jewellery.

1. Dry the flowers using one of the previous methods.
2. Mix the resin according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Arrange the flowers in a mould and carefully pour the resin over them.
4. Allow the resin to cure as directed, typically for 24-48 hours.

7. Dip Flowers In Wax

Dipping flowers in wax can provide a unique, glossy finish while preserving their colour and form.

1. Melt paraffin wax in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Dip the flower heads into the wax, ensuring they are completely coated.
3. Hang them upside down to dry and harden.

8. Glycerine Treatment

Glycerine treatment replaces the water in the plant with glycerine, resulting in soft, pliable, preserved flowers.

1. Mix one part glycerine with two parts boiling water.
2. Submerge the flower stems in the solution for 2-3 weeks.
3. Remove and hang to dry.

9. Freeze-Drying

Freeze-drying is a professional method that dries flowers in their near-original state but requires specialised equipment. Here’s how to preserve flowers through the freeze-drying method.

1. Place the flowers in a freeze-drying machine where temperatures drop to below freezing.
2. The vacuum process then removes all moisture content while keeping the flowers' structure, colour, and even some textures intact, making them look almost as fresh as when they were picked.