Preserving petals: A guide to drying flowers for lasting beauty

Not all flowers dry well, so selecting the right ones is crucial for successful drying. The first step in this process is to understand which flowers are best suited for drying and their ideal drying method. 

Roses are a classic choice for air dying. They are versatile and can retain their shape, colour, and fragrance when dried. However, blooms with a higher water content, such as lilies, struggle with air drying. 

The best flowers for pressing are blooms with a single layer of petals or flat faces, like violets, pansies, and daisies. Avoid fleshy, water-rich petals, such as begonias, which are prone to mould. 

Interestingly, flowers of different colours can dry with varying results. For example, orange and yellow flowers tend to retain their vibrancy the best, while blues and purples may darken during the drying process. 

Choosing flowers that are in bud form is also important. Flowers in full bloom are more likely to lose their petals once they dry. It’s also important to remove any excess foliage from the stems before drying, as they can retain moisture and lead to mould growth. 

Different drying techniques can produce varied results. We have compiled three different methods to help you choose the best one for your needs. 

Air Drying 

Air drying is one of the simplest and most effective methods for preserving flowers, and it's been used for centuries. While it's the easiest method, it's also the most time-consuming, taking two to four weeks. Air drying works best for bouquets and flowers with fuller blooms like roses, gypsophila, and delphiniums. 

To air dry flowers, pick them at their peak or just before full bloom. Gather them into small bundles of no more than 6-7 stems and tie the ends with twine or an elastic band. Hang each bunch upside down in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated area on a hanger or pole. Once completely dry, you can remove them and apply a light coat of unscented hairspray for protection and shine. For faster drying, some people use silica gel, but air drying is a natural and inexpensive alternative. 

Pressing 

Pressing is another popular technique, especially for delicate flowers like violets, pansies, and daisies. There are several ways to dry and press flowers, but the simplest method involves placing them between sheets of absorbent paper like parchment paper or blotting paper, with at least ¾-inch of space between each flower. A heavy book works well, but a flower press is another option for even pressure. Choose flowers of similar thickness for even drying, which can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks. Check on your flowers periodically; once completely dry and brittle, delicately remove them using tweezers. 

Silica Gel Drying 

Silica gel works wonders for preserving the natural colour and beauty of flowers, especially their 3D shape. It's ideal for creating dried flowers for jewellery, resin crafts, or potpourri. While silica gel is non-toxic, wear gloves and a dust mask when handling it due to the fine dust created when pouring. 

To dry flowers with silica gel, first fill an airtight container (or a sealed cardboard box) with silica gel to a depth of 1.5 inches. Gently arrange your chosen flowers face-up in the container. Carefully cover them completely with more silica gel until they are saturated. Seal the container tightly and place it in a dry location. Leave the flowers undisturbed for 3-4 weeks to dry completely. 

To remove the flowers, gently tip the container to pour the unused silica gel out into another container. As the flowers become exposed, carefully scoop them out and turn them upside down. Gently shake or brush away any excess silica gel particles. 

• During the drying process, check flowers regularly to avoid over-drying as this can cause brittleness. 

• To prevent brittleness and fading, avoid placing flowers in direct sunlight. Choose a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area for drying to avoid mould growth, as any humidity can cause flowers to rot or discolour. 

• To keep the flowers looking their best, gently dust them with a soft brush or compressed air every few months – this is essential for a long-term display. 

Dried flowers can be used in a variety of creative projects, adding a touch of rustic charm to your home decor. Get creative and use them in artwork, craft jewellery, potpourri, scented sachets, or even natural confetti for weddings. 

Not only can dried flowers be used to create stunning, long-lasting arrangements — displayed in vases or as centrepieces — but they also can be used to add natural beauty to any room. For a truly unique touch, consider embedding dried flowers from an anniversary bouquet (or any sentimental bouquet for that matter) into a homemade candle. This creates a beautiful, lasting keepsake that captures the memory of the occasion. Remember, when using dried flowers in candles, always use a small amount and keep them away from the flame for safety reasons. 

Drying flowers at home is an art that allows you to capture and preserve the fleeting beauty of nature. With the right patience and technique, you can enjoy your favourite blooms all year round. However, before you start, you’ll need to find the finest fresh-cut flowers. 

At Euroflorist, we offer a selection of beautiful bouquets that quickly become household favourites, perfect for creating and conserving special memories.