How To Dry Flowers To Keep Them Forever

To dry flowers, gather a few essential supplies:

• Sharp Scissors
• String
• Designated Hanging Area
• Frame
• Book (For Pressing)

The flower should be in cool, dark, and well-ventilated area before processing to dry it.

To dry flowers through air drying, start by selecting fresh flowers and harvesting them in the morning when they are at their best. Trim the stems to a length suitable for hanging and remove the leaves to prevent mold.

Gather the flowers into small bundles and tie them together. Hang the bundles upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area away from sunlight for about 2 to 3 weeks until they are completely dry.

Another straightforward method for drying flowers is pressing. To do this, you'll need some heavy books, fresh flowers, and scissors. Start by cutting the stems and leaves from the flowers. Place a sheet of paper on the pages of a book, lay the flowers face down on the paper, and make sure they don’t overlap.

Cover the flowers with another sheet of paper, then close the book and add additional weight on top to apply even pressure. Wait for about 1 to 4 weeks for the flowers to dry completely.

Silica gel is an efficient method of drying flowers while preserving their shape and color. Start by choosing fresh flowers, cutting the stems, and removing the leaves. Pour a layer of silica gel into the bottom of an airtight plastic or metal container. Place the flowers face up on the silica gel to ensure they don’t touch each other, and keep them about an inch apart.

Then, cover them with more silica gel. Further, close the container tightly and store it in a cool, dry place for 2 to 4 days. After the drying period, carefully open the container. Gently remove the flowers, and use a brush to remove any remaining silica gel from the petals.

The quickest method to dry flowers is using a microwave oven. Start by selecting fresh flowers and trimming the stems and leaves. Get a microwave-safe dish, a cup of water, and some silica gel. Place a layer of silica gel at the bottom of the dish and arrange the flowers face up with space apart.

Cover the flowers with more silica gel, and the petals are well-supported. Place the dish and the cup of water in the microwave and heat on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes. If the flowers are not fully dried, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.

Another method for drying flowers is using sand. Choose the flower and prepare a shallow box. Pour a half-inch layer of clean sand into the bottom of the box. Lay the flowers face down or on their sides and about an inch apart.

Slowly pour more sand over the flowers and make sure they are completely covered. Place the box in a warm room and allow the flowers to dry for 1 to 3 weeks. After the drying period, carefully tip the box to let the sand flow out slowly.

One of the fastest ways to dry flowers is by using a dehydrator. Choose fresh flowers, wash them, and trim the stems. Place the flowers in a single layer on the dehydrator trays about an inch apart. 

Set the dehydrator to 135°F and dry the flowers for about 4 to 12 hours. If your dehydrator has a bottom heating element, rotate the trays every few hours to ensure even drying. When they are ready, the flowers should be crisp and dry to the touch.

If you're in a hurry to dry flowers, the oven drying method is a quick solution. Select fresh flowers, trim the stems, and set your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the flowers in a single layer.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Monitor the flowers every 15 to 30 minutes to prevent burning. After 1 to 2 hours, the flowers should be dry. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool.

The drying of the flower depends on the type of flower you have chosen and the steps you follow. Air drying takes about 4 weeks, whereas oven drain can be done in 1 to 2 hours.  Every method you use requires careful monitoring and handling to preserve more intricate details.

On the other hand, the environment is also another factor that will improve the rate of the process of drying flowers. Regardless of the technique you use, you must ensure that the flowers are completely dry before storing them to preserve their growth and shape and color. 

How Long Dried Flowers Last

Dried flowers are a beautiful way to preserve cherished memories, and with proper care, they can last for about 5 to 10 years.

• To extend the life of dried flowers, use silica gel during the drying process to maintain their color and shape.
• Some flowers, like lavender, are known for their long-lasting scent and durability even after drying.
• Store dried flowers in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and deterioration.
• Since dried flowers are fragile, handle them gently to avoid damage.
• For pressed flowers, treat them with glycerin to help maintain their shape and color.

Dried flowers are quite fragile, so handling them is difficult. Be gentle to avoid breaking stems and losing petals. Store them in a cool, dry place with low humidity to prevent wilting. Besides, wrap the flowers in acid-free tissue paper and place them in a permanent location to preserve their condition.

You must reduce the amount of touching the flower. Regularly clean your dried flowers using a soft brush to prevent dust buildup. Meanwhile, if your dried flower looks dull for a longer time, then it's time to mist some hairspray to add a slight sheen and preserve it. 

After drying flowers, it is time to store them. First, check that they are completely dried. Remember that if they are still damp, they should be thoroughly dried. 

Handle dried flowers with care, as they are fragile and can be easily damaged. Also, avoid touching the flower directly with your hands as soon as possible. You can store them with 

Framing

Arrange dried flowers in a shadow box or a glass frame to create a beautiful display. This stunning piece of art can be hung or displayed on a shelf.

For visual appeal, you can improvise the design with a variety of flowers and foliage. 

Decorative Jar

Use a decorative glass jar to store dried flowers. Place it on a shelf or table, and consider layering different types of flowers for added visual interest.

Some extra ribbons and beads can make the jars even more alluring. 

Pressed Flower Book

Store pressed flowers in a dedicated flower book. This book can also serve as a memory journal, where you can write notes about each flower and your experiences.

But try to use some acid-free tissue as it can tackle the problem of discoloration over time. 

Gift Wrapping

Use dried flowers to decorate gifts. Attach them to ribbons or directly to the gift for a personal and charming touch. It can be an eco-friendly choice to wrap your gift as well. 

Sachets 

You can use some beautiful petals of the flower to convert them into sachets. Attach them to drawers, closets, and storage spaces.

On the contrary, you can also flower like lavender as the aromatic alternative to potpourri.

The best time to dry flowers is during peak freshness. It is during the morning when the dew is evaporated. Besides, the time ensures the flowers are dry and not weighted down.

On the other hand, choose flowers during their blooming season when they are vibrant and full of life. Avoid picking flowers early in the morning when dew is still present, as this can affect the drying process.

Now that you have a bunch of dried flowers, you may want to use your creative side to decorate with them. Place dried flowers in a vase to create beautiful arrangements.

Press dried flowers to design flat pieces, such as bookmarks or greeting cards. For a charming, seasonal touch, craft wreaths using foliage and dried flowers. Adorn gift tags with dried flowers to add a personal touch.

How To Arrange Dry Flowers

You should arrange the dry flower for the maximum impact. 

• Select a variety of dried flowers that complement each other in color and texture.
• Choose a vase that suits the size of your arrangement. For larger bouquets, use a tall vase; for smaller arrangements, opt for a narrower vase. Use clear tape to create a grid across the opening of the vase.
• Start by placing the stems at the back of the vase. Introduce your standout blooms at the front of the arrangement. Add smaller, complementary flowers and foliage to fill in the gaps.
• Place your arrangement in a spot away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Some common issues encountered during flower drying include:

Mold

Flowers can develop mold if they are not dried thoroughly. Since mold thrives in humid, damp conditions, Thus it can spread quickly to a whole batch of flowers,

Drying flowers can result in all your effort being wasted. To deal with this situation, provide proper air circulation and low humidity during the drying process. Keep an eye on flowers regularly and sicard any signs of mold growth.

Color Loss

Sometimes, you place the flower to dry in direct sunlight. The result is the fade and loss of its vibrant color. UV rays can break down the pigment in the petal. 

That can result in a duller and more wilted appearance. To maintain this, you should place them in a cool and dry place away from light exposure. 

Fragility

Dried flowers are delicate and can break easily. The drying process makes the petals and stems more brittle. It results in a higher risk of damage during handling.

Be gentle and handle them with excess bending or pressure. Keep them in a safe container to prevent them from breaking. 

Pests

Though not very common, dried flowers can attract pests like mealworms or carpet beetles if stored improperly. These small insects feed on the organic matter in the flower. 

Although it can cause damage and potentially spread to other items in storage, to prevent pest infestation, store them in airtight containers with dire herbs, such as rosemary or cloves, which are natural repellents. 

Moisture Content

The first concern about the process is the unwanted presence of moisture. Some flowers retain too much moisture, which can cause them to become flaccid and lose their shape and firmness.

In ideal conditions, the moisture should be 8-11%. If it exceeds this range, then the dried flower will have a shorter shelf life and poor quality. 

Misshapen Flowers

Flowers without their shape may not look beautiful, right? Flowers dried without mechanical support may lose their shape. The weight of the petal and the drying process causes the flower to flatten out.

To maintain the original shape, use a drying method that provides support, like the pressing method. At the same time, you can carefully hold the flowers during drying and secure them in place until they are dry. 

How To Solve Common Problems

To ensure your dried flowers stay beautiful, you should be careful and gentle. Before storage, make sure flowers are thoroughly dried using silica gel. To prevent fading, place dried flowers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Likewise, regularly clean the flowers with a soft brush to remove dust and prevent buildup. Keep an eye on the storage conditions to ensure there is no excess moisture. Reduce handling and movement to prevent shedding and damage to the delicate petals.