Flowers are a wonderful way to add beauty and color to your home, garden, or gifts. However, fresh flowers don’t last forever, and they can wilt and fade quickly. If you want to preserve your flowers for longer, you can dry them and use them for various purposes, such as crafts, decorations, or potpourri. Drying flowers can also help you save money and reduce waste, as you can reuse your old bouquets instead of throwing them away.
There are many ways to dry flowers, but some methods are faster and more effective than others. In this article, we will show you how to dry flowers quickly using five different methods: air drying, microwaving, the desiccant method, baking, and pressing. We will also explain the pros and cons of each method and give you some tips on how to choose and prepare your flowers for drying.
Why dry flowers?
Drying flowers is a simple and fun way to preserve your favorite blooms and enjoy them for longer. There are many reasons why you might want to dry flowers, such as:
Benefits of Drying Flowers
- Dried flowers can last for years, unlike fresh flowers that wilt and die in a few days or weeks.
- Dried flowers can be used for various purposes, such as making wreaths, garlands, arrangements, ornaments, bookmarks, cards, candles, soaps, sachets, and more.
- Dried flowers can add a rustic and vintage charm to your home decor, as they create a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere.
- Dried flowers can also have therapeutic benefits, as they can retain their fragrance and aroma, which can help you relax and calm your senses.
- Drying flowers can help you save money and reduce waste, as you can reuse your old bouquets or flowers from your garden instead of buying new ones or throwing them away.
Drawbacks of Drying Flowers
- Drying flowers can also have some disadvantages, such as:
- Dried flowers can lose some of their color and shape as they shrink and fade during the drying process.
- Dried flowers can be fragile and brittle, and they can break or crumble easily if not handled with care.
- Dried flowers can attract dust and insects, and they can also develop mold or mildew if not stored properly.
- Dried flowers can also pose a fire hazard, as they are flammable and can catch fire if exposed to heat or flames.
Methods for Drying Flowers
There are many methods for drying flowers, but some are faster and more effective than others. Here are five methods for drying flowers quickly, along with their steps, pros, and cons.
Air Drying
Air drying is the most traditional and common method of drying flowers. It involves hanging the flowers upside down in a dry and dark place, such as a closet, attic, or garage, and letting them dry naturally in the air. This method can take two to four weeks to complete, depending on the type and size of the flowers.
How to Air-Dry Flowers
- Cut the flowers you want to dry in the morning, when they are fully bloomed and dry. Avoid cutting flowers that are wet or wilted, as they will not dry well.
- Remove any leaves, thorns, or unwanted parts from the stems, and trim the stems to the desired length.
- Tie the stems of the flowers together with a rubber band, string, or twine, forming small bunches of three to six flowers. Make sure the flowers are not touching each other, as they need air circulation to dry properly.
- Hang the bunches upside down in a dry and dark place, such as a closet, attic, or garage. Avoid direct sunlight, heat, or humidity, as they can cause the flowers to fade or rot.
- Leave the flowers to dry for two to four weeks, checking them occasionally for signs of dryness. The flowers are dry when they feel crisp and papery to the touch.
Pros and Cons of Air Drying
- Air drying is a simple and inexpensive method that does not require any special equipment or materials.
- Air drying can preserve the natural shape and texture of the flowers as they dry slowly and evenly.
- Air drying can also retain the fragrance and aroma of the flowers, as they are not exposed to heat or chemicals.
- Air drying can take a long time to complete, and it can be affected by the weather and the environment.
- Air drying can also cause the flowers to lose some of their color and vibrancy as they are exposed to air and light.
Microwaving
Microwaving is a fast and easy method of drying flowers that uses a microwave oven and a desiccant, such as silica gel or cat litter, to dry the flowers in a matter of minutes. A desiccant is a substance that absorbs moisture and helps dry the flowers without shriveling them. This method works best for flower heads or smaller plants, rather than full bouquets.
How to Microwave Flowers
- Cut the flowers you want to dry as close to the blooms as possible, leaving only a short stem. You can also use individual petals or leaves for this method.
- Pour some desiccant into a microwave-safe container, such as a glass or ceramic dish, and spread it evenly. The layer of desiccant should be about one to two inches thick, depending on the size of the flowers.
- Place the flowers on top of the desiccant, making sure they are not touching each other or the sides of the container. Cover the flowers with more desiccant until they are completely buried. Tap the container gently to settle the desiccant around the flowers.
- Microwave the container, uncovered, on a high setting for 30 seconds to two minutes, depending on the type and size of the flowers. Check the flowers after each interval, and stop when they feel dry and crisp to the touch. Do not overcook the flowers, as they can burn or catch fire.
- Let the container cool down for a few minutes, then carefully remove the flowers from the desiccant. Brush off any excess desiccant from the flowers, and use a soft brush or a hair dryer to remove any dust or particles.
Pros and cons of microwaving
- Microwaving is a quick and convenient method that can dry flowers in minutes rather than weeks.
- Microwaving can also preserve the color and shape of the flowers, as the desiccant prevents them from fading or wilting.
- Microwaving can be risky and dangerous, as it can cause the flowers or the container to overheat or explode if not done properly.
- Microwaving can also damage the microwave oven, as the desiccant can scratch or stain the interior.
- Microwaving can also affect the fragrance and aroma of the flowers, as the heat can alter or destroy their natural oils.
Desiccant Method
The desiccant method is similar to the microwaving method, but it does not use any heat or electricity. Instead, it involves placing the flowers in a sealed container of desiccant, such as silica gel, cat litter, borax, or cornmeal, and letting them sit for a few weeks to dry. This method can preserve the color and shape of the flowers better than the air-drying method, but it can take longer than the microwaving method.
How to Use Desiccant to Dry Flowers
- Cut the flowers you want to dry as close to the blooms as possible, leaving only a short stem. You can also use individual petals or leaves for this method.
- Pour some desiccant into a large and airtight container, such as a plastic or metal box, and spread it evenly. The layer of desiccant should be about one to two inches thick, depending on the size of the flowers.
- Place the flowers on top of the desiccant, making sure they are not touching each other or the sides of the container. Cover the flowers with more desiccant until they are completely buried. Tap the container gently to settle the desiccant around the flowers.
- Seal the container tightly with a lid or tape, and label it with the date and the type of flowers. Store the container in a dry and dark place, away from heat and light.
- Leave the flowers to dry for two to six weeks, depending on the type and size of the flowers. Check the flowers periodically for signs of dryness. The flowers are dry when they feel crisp and papery to the touch.
Pros and Cons of the Desiccant Method
- The desiccant method is a gentle and effective method that can preserve the color and shape of the flowers better than the air-drying method.
- The desiccant method can also work for delicate and fragile flowers that are prone to wilting or shattering, such as roses, lilies, or orchids.
- The desiccant method can be expensive and wasteful, as it requires a large amount of desiccant and a sealed container for each batch of flowers.
- The desiccant method can also be messy and tedious, as it involves handling and disposing of the desiccant, which can be dusty and harmful if inhaled or ingested.
- The desiccant method can also affect the fragrance and aroma of the flowers, as the desiccant can absorb or alter their natural oils.
Baking
Baking is another fast and easy method of drying flowers that uses an oven and a baking sheet to dry the flowers in a matter of hours. This method works best for sturdy and thick flowers, such as sunflowers, hydrangeas, or chrysanthemums, rather than thin and delicate flowers, such as daisies, pansies, or violets.
How to bake flowers
- Cut the flowers you want to dry in the morning, when they are fully bloomed and dry. Avoid cutting flowers that are wet or wilted, as they will not dry well.
- Remove any leaves, thorns, or unwanted parts from the stems, and trim the stems to the desired length.
- Preheat the oven to the lowest temperature possible, usually around 100°F or 40°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and lightly spray it with cooking spray or oil.
- Arrange the flowers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other or the edges of the sheet. You can also use a wire rack or a cooling rack to elevate the flowers and allow better air circulation.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven, and leave the door slightly ajar to let the moisture escape. Bake the flowers for two to four hours, checking them every 15 minutes for signs of dryness. The flowers are dry when they feel crisp and papery to the touch.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and let the flowers cool down completely before handling them.
Pros and cons of baking
- Baking is a quick and convenient method that can dry flowers in hours rather than weeks.
- Baking can also create a warm and pleasant scent in your home as the flowers release their fragrance and aroma in the oven.
- Baking can be risky and dangerous, as it can cause the flowers or the baking sheet to burn or catch fire if not done properly.
- Baking can also damage the oven, as the flowers can drip or spill their juices or oils on the interior.
- Baking can also cause the flowers to lose some of their color and shape, as the heat can make them fade or shrivel.
Pressing
Pressing is a classic and simple method of drying flowers that involves placing the flowers between two flat and heavy objects, such as books, newspapers, or cardboard, and applying pressure to flatten and dry them. This method can take one to three weeks to complete, depending on the type and size of the flowers.
How to press flowers
- Cut the flowers you want to dry as close to the blooms as possible, leaving only a short stem. You can also use individual petals or leaves for this method.
- Place the flowers between two sheets of paper, such as newspaper, tissue paper, or blotting paper, and make sure they are not overlapping or touching each other. You can also use wax paper or parchment paper to prevent the flowers from sticking to the paper.
- Place the paper with the flowers inside a large and heavy book, such as a dictionary, encyclopedia, or phone book, and close the book. You can also use a wooden board, a cardboard box, or a flower press to press the flowers.
- Stack more books or other heavy objects on top of the book with the flowers, and apply as much pressure as possible. The more pressure you apply, the faster and flatter the flowers will dry.
- Leave the flowers to dry for one to three weeks, checking them every few days for signs of dryness. The flowers are dry when they feel crisp and flat to the touch.
Pros and cons of pressing
- Pressing is a simple and inexpensive method that does not require any special equipment or materials.
- Pressing can create beautiful and artistic results as the flowers become flat and paper-like and can be used for various crafts, such as collages, decoupage, or scrapbooking.
- Pressing can take a long time to complete, and it can be affected by the humidity and the weight of the objects.
- Pressing can also cause the flowers to lose some of their color and shape as they become distorted and compressed during the pressing process.
- Pressing can also affect the fragrance and aroma of the flowers, as they are not exposed to air or light.
Tips for Choosing and Preparing Flowers for Drying
Before you start drying your flowers, you need to choose and prepare them properly to ensure the best results. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Types of Flowers That Work Well for Drying
Not all flowers are suitable for drying, as some are more prone to wilting, fading, or shattering than others. Some of the best types of flowers for drying are:
- Flowers that have a sturdy and thick structure, such as sunflowers, hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, carnations, or roses.
- Flowers that have a bright and vibrant color, such as marigolds, zinnias, gerberas, or lilies.
- Flowers that have a long and lasting fragrance, such as lavender, rosemary, mint, or jasmine.
- Flowers that have a small and simple shape, such as a baby’s breath, statice, yarrow, or thistle.
How to Harvest and Trim Flowers for Drying
The way you harvest and trim your flowers can also affect how well they dry and how long they last. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Harvest your flowers in the morning, when they are fully bloomed and dry. Avoid harvesting flowers that are wet or wilted, as they will not dry well.
- Cut the flowers with sharp and clean scissors or knives, and make a diagonal cut at the base of the stem. This will help the flowers absorb water and nutrients better and prevent them from rotting or wilting.
- Remove any leaves, thorns, or unwanted parts from the stems, and trim the stems to the desired length. You can also split the stems at the end to help them dry faster.
- Place the flowers in a vase of fresh water, and keep them in a cool, dark place until you are ready to dry them. Change the water every day, and remove any dead or dying flowers.
Conclusion
Drying flowers is a great way to preserve your favorite blooms and enjoy them for longer. There are many methods for drying flowers, but some are faster and more effective than others. In this article, we showed you how to dry flowers quickly using five different methods: air drying, microwaving, the desiccant method, baking, and pressing. We also explained the pros and cons of each method and gave you some tips on how to choose and prepare your flowers for drying.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative and that you learned something new about drying flowers. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading, and happy drying!
FAQs
- Q: How do I store my dried flowers?
- You can store your dried flowers in a dry and dark place, such as a closet, drawer, or box. You can also use airtight containers, such as glass jars, plastic bags, or ziplock bags, to protect your dried flowers from dust and insects. You can also add some mothballs, lavender, or cedar chips to your storage containers to repel pests and add fragrance.
- Q: How do I use my dried flowers?
- You can use your dried flowers for various purposes, such as making wreaths, garlands, arrangements, ornaments, bookmarks, cards, candles, soaps, sachets, and more. You can also display your dried flowers in a vase, a basket, a frame, or a shadow box. You can also give your dried flowers as gifts to your friends and family.
- Q: How long do dried flowers last?
- Dried flowers can last for years, depending on how well they are dried and stored. However, dried flowers can also lose some of their color and shape over time as they are exposed to air and light. To prolong the life of your dried flowers, you can spray them with a clear acrylic sealer or a hairspray, which can help them retain their color and texture.
- Q: Can I dry any type of flower?
- No, not all flowers are suitable for drying, as some are more prone to wilting, fading, or shattering than others. Some of the best types of flowers for drying are those that have a sturdy and thick structure, a bright and vibrant color, a long and lasting fragrance, and a small and simple shape.
- Q: Can I dry flowers in the sun?
- No, you should not dry flowers in the sun, as the direct sunlight can cause the flowers to fade or burn. You should dry flowers in a dry and dark place, such as a closet, attic, or garage, and avoid heat and humidity, as they can cause the flowers to rot or mold.
