To dry flowers effectively, there are several methods you can use depending on the type of flowers and how quickly you want them dried:
1. Air Drying (Traditional and Simple)
- Cut flowers when most florets are open, about 23-30 cm long.
- Remove unwanted leaves and any damaged petals.
- Tie stems in loose bunches of 6-10 stems.
- Hang the bunches upside down in a cool, dry, and airy place away from direct sunlight (like a spare room, shed, or garage).
- Allow 2-4 weeks for drying until flowers are crisp and dry.
- This method preserves fragrance well and is suitable for flowers like hydrangea, lavender, and celosia
2. Using Silica Gel (Preserves Shape and Color)
- Trim stems close to the flower heads.
- Place a layer of silica gel crystals in a plastic container.
- Lay flowers in a single layer on the gel, then gently cover flowers completely with more silica gel crystals.
- Seal the container and leave it in a cool, dark place for 3-4 weeks.
- Carefully remove flowers and shake off excess crystals.
- This method is excellent for delicate flowers like roses and lisianthus to retain shape and color
3. Oven Drying (Fast Method)
- Remove stems, keeping only flower heads.
- Spread flowers on parchment-lined baking trays.
- Preheat oven to the lowest setting (around 35-40°C).
- Place trays in the oven with the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
- Dry for 12-24 hours, turning petals occasionally for even drying.
- Cool flowers and store in sealed containers.
- This method is quicker but may cause petal loss and color fading
4. Pressing (For Flat Flowers)
- Place flowers between absorbent paper.
- Press under heavy books or in a flower press.
- Leave for several weeks until completely dry.
- Ideal for crafts and artwork
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh, healthy flowers that have just started to open.
- Avoid drying in direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
- Choose a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent mold.
- After drying, spraying flowers lightly with hairspray can help preserve shape and reduce petal loss
These methods allow you to dry flowers at home naturally or quickly, depending on your needs and available resources. Air drying is the easiest and most common, while silica gel and oven drying offer faster or more precise preservation options.
