Flowers brighten up space, but their beauty is often fleeting. Drying flowers preserves their charm for months or even years. Whether you want to create lasting decor, handmade gifts, or craft projects, dried flowers offer a timeless elegance. In this post, we'll explore flowers for drying, various drying methods (with a focus on natural techniques), and creative ways to use your preserved blooms.
Choosing the Right Flowers
The first step in drying flowers is selecting the right ones. Not all flowers dry well, so it's important to choose varieties that can retain shape and color. Some of the best flowers for drying include:
- Roses: Retain their shape and can be air-dried or pressed.
- Lavender: Keeps its fragrance and is perfect for sachets and decor.
- Hydrangeas: Their large, voluminous heads dry beautifully.
- Dahlias: With their vibrant colors, they make stunning dried arrangements.
- Baby's Breath: Adds a delicate touch to dried flower bouquets.
When choosing flowers, opt for those that are freshly picked and at their peak bloom. Avoid flowers with any signs of wilting or damage, as these imperfections will be more pronounced once dried.
Methods of Drying Flowers
There are several methods to dry flowers, each with its own set of advantages. While using desiccants and microwaves can be effective, we prefer the natural method for its simplicity and authenticity.
1. Air Drying
Air drying is one of the most traditional and straightforward methods. Simply bundle the stems with a rubber band and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. This method works best for flowers with sturdy stems.
Why We Prefer Air Drying:
- Natural Preservation: Air drying preserves flowers in their most natural state without the need for chemicals or artificial heat.
- Simplicity: It requires minimal equipment and effort.
- Sustainability: It’s an eco-friendly method that uses no additional energy or resources.
2. Pressing
Pressing flowers is ideal for those who want to use dried blooms in flat projects like bookmarks, cards, or framed art. Place the flowers between sheets of parchment paper and press them under a heavy book or a flower press. Leave them for a couple of weeks until completely dry.
3. Using Desiccants
Desiccants, such as silica gel, can be used to dry flowers while maintaining their shape and color. Desiccants are substances that absorb moisture from the surroundings. To use this method, bury the flowers in a container filled with silica gel and leave them for a few days to a week. This method is excellent for delicate flowers that might not hold up well with air drying.
4. Microwave Drying
For a quick drying method, try using a microwave. Place flowers between two paper towels and microwave them on low heat for a few minutes, checking frequently. This method is fast but requires careful monitoring to avoid burning.
How Long Do Dried Flowers Last?
When properly dried and stored, flowers can retain their beauty for a long time. Air-dried flowers typically last between one to three years. Flowers dried with desiccants or pressed may last even longer if kept away from direct sunlight, humidity, and dust. Proper care can help maintain their color and shape, ensuring that your dried flowers remain a beautiful part of your decor for years to come.
Our Experience with Drying Dahlias
Dahlias are not traditionally known as good candidates for drying due to their high water content. However, we have had excellent success in drying dahlias using the air drying method. By selecting the right stage of bloom and ensuring proper conditions, we've been able to preserve the vibrant colors and intricate shapes of these stunning flowers.
Caring for Dried Flowers
Once your flowers are dried, it's important to store them properly to maintain their beauty. Keep dried flowers out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. Store them in a cool, dry place, and consider using a gentle mist of hairspray to help them retain their shape.
Creative Uses for Dried Flowers
Dried flowers offer endless possibilities for creativity. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Home Decor: Create wreaths, garlands, or simple arrangements in vases.
- Craft Projects: Use dried flowers in resin jewelry, candles, or handmade paper.
- Gifts: Make potpourri, sachets, or framed floral art as unique, personal gifts.