The Best Ways To Dry Flowers To Preserve Them For Longer

What are the best flowers for drying?

Drying flowers is commonly used for gifts, weddings or to retain their beauty and help them survive longer. This technique is popular due to the many varieties of flowers that can be used. However, blooms that are flat, sturdy and feature multiple layers are usually easier to dry. Below are the best flowers for drying:

• Hydrangeas
• Roses
• Peonies
• Daisies
• Orchids
• Delphinium
• Chrysanthemums 
• Tulips
• Carnations
• Lisianthus
• Tail flower

2 Ways to dry flowers naturally

Air-drying flowers

To make air-dried flowers you will need:

• Flower bouquet 
• String or rubber band
• Scissors
• Stick 

Now that you have the right equipment, here’s an overview of how to make air-dried flowers:

1. Choose your flowers: We recommend using sturdy flowers that have less water content, such as Hydrangeas and Tail flowers. These flowers are more likely to keep all their petals during the drying process. Aim to use as many flowers as you can as some may get lost when drying. 
2. Separate and bunch your flowers: Separate all the flowers by their species. You will also need to remove any leaves or thornes, and trim the stems to the desired length. Please keep in mind that the stems will shrink when drying. 
3. Tie the stems together: Using your string or rubber band, tie the stems firmly together. Make sure you’re not denting or creasing any of the flowers. 
4. Hang them upside down: Flip your flowers upside down and tie them to a stick using some string. Make sure your flowers aren’t bunched together, they should be at least 6 inches apart. Depending on the size of the flowers, the drying process can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks.

Pressing flowers

To make pressed flowers, you can purchase a flower press kit, otherwise you will need:

• Baking paper
• A heavy and flat object

Here’s how to dry out flowers using the pressed method:

1. Choose flat flowers: When using the pressing technique, we recommend choosing flat flowers such as orchids or flowers that feature thick petals. 
2. Lay your flowers on the paper: Lay out a piece of baking paper and place your flowers neatly on top, and place another sheet of paper on top. 
3. Press the flowers: Using a heavy and flat object, such as a heavy book, gently apply pressure on top of the paper. Leave the object on top and leave to dry in a dark, warm and dry area. 
4. Replace drying paper: After a week, replace the baking paper with some fresh sheets. However, be careful to not damage the flowers as they are delicate. Every week replace the paper. This process can take up to a month.

Ways to use dried flowers

There are a number of ways to use dried flowers, including:

• Long-lasting bouquets: A great way to increase the life of your favourite flower bouquet is by drying it! The flowers will maintain their colour and appearance for a long period of time. 
• Craft projects: Dried flowers are a great addition to a variety of DIY projects, such as cardmaking, wall art, candles, phone cases and more. 
• Scrapbooking: If you want to save your special flowers, scrapbooks are the perfect place to store them! 
• Gifts: You can gift dry flowers on their own or tie them to a gift as a special addition.
• Weddings: Some outdoor wedding venues will allow natural dried flowers for ceremonies. Dried flower bouquets and pedals are perfect decorations for a wedding.

Get a fresh bouquet from BloomBar

Now that you know how to dry flowers, there’s no better time to pick a fresh bouquet. At BloomBar, our experienced team of florists will curate the perfect bouquet for you. From bright flower arrangements and everlasting flowers to pastel bouquets and more! If you’re looking to dry a vibrant bunch of flowers or have any other enquiries, please contact the City store today.

How to dry flowers : Other FAQs

How do you dry flowers and keep their color?

There are two ways to naturally dry flowers - air-drying and pressing. To retain the colour of the flower while drying, hang them upside down away from harsh sunlight in a dry and dark area.

How to dry flowers at home quickly?

To dry flowers quickly, use the microwave or oven. Using these appliances will change the drying process from weeks to hours.

Should I dry flowers out in the oven or let them naturally dry?

While both methods are effective, it depends on how fast you need them dried. Using the oven will dry the flowers in 1-2 hours but can affect the color because of the intense heat. Naturally drying the flowers can take between 1-2 weeks and is better to retain the colour.

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