How to Dry Flowers to Preserve Them Forever
Receiving a fresh bouquet of flowers from someone you love is one of the simplest and most universal joys we share. Flowers represent a moment in time: vibrant and beautiful, yet fleeting. However, there are ways of keeping your flowers around for longer so that you can continue to enjoy them for years to come. One of the most common ways of doing this is by drying them.
There are several ways to dry your flowers, including pressing and microwaving them using a dessicant, but the simplest and most traditional is by hanging them up to air dry. If you’d like to try your hand at air drying a bouquet, follow the steps we’ve outlined below. Keep in mind that the best time to start the drying process is before the flowers are at their peak. They will continue to open while drying, so you’ll have the best results if you start slightly before they are fully bloomed.
1. Separate into Small Bunches
Start by separating your bouquet(s) into small bunches according to the type of flower. Bunches should have no more than three stems and large flowers, like our classic roses, should be dried individually.
2. Remove Foliage
Gently pull or cut off any leaves on the stems of your flowers. Then, snip the stems at the bottom to the desired length. You should decide on the length now rather than later when the stems have hardened.
3. Tie Stems
Tie together the stems of any flowers that you are hanging together with twine or a rubber band. Don’t make it so tight that the stems get damaged, but also make sure that it holds the flowers so that they don’t drop if the stems shrink while they are drying.
4. Hang Upside Down
Suspend your flowers upside down by tying them to ceiling rafters, a clothes rail, or coat hangers. The flower bunches should hang at least six inches away from each other. Make sure they are away from sunlight in a cool, dry place as sunlight can fade the colors.
5. Wait Two to Four Weeks
Depending on the size and type of flowers you are drying, they may take as little as two or as many as four weeks to dry fully. You will know they are dry when the petals are crisp.
Decorating with Air Dried Flowers
There are lots of different uses for air dried flowers when you are decorating your home. You can display them in vases, create a seasonal wreath that you can reuse every year, or use the heads or petals of the flowers as potpourri. Dried flowers can also add a unique accent to the top of a wrapped present – simply tie one or more stems with a ribbon to make a statement. You can even make a flower crown for your birthday or special occasion out of dried flowers. If you are going to be storing your dried flowers to preserve a memory, be sure to wrap them carefully in tissue paper and place them in a cardboard box for safekeeping.
Finding a balance of fresh and dried flowers as well as houseplants and other biophilic elements can add a warmth and life that brings a cozy feeling to your home. While we believe all bouquets are a work of art, why not make yours one that lasts forever? Drying lets you enjoy your flowers for longer, plus the creative process of drying them is a fun way to spend an afternoon.