Mother's Day orders placed before May 1st receive 10% off with code BESTMOM at checkout! Call 208-888-2182 for custom orders. Idaho's Best Florist 2023 & 2024!
Meridian Floral & Gifts
3055 E. Fairview Ave #140
Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 888-2182
Toggle Nav
My Cart
Search
Advanced Search
Toggle Nav

4 Easy Ways to Preserve Flowers and Keep Them Forever

Even though one of the most special qualities of fresh flowers is their ephemeral nature, some bouquets are so special we might want to keep them forever. And if you're a crafty sort, then properly dried flowers can be used as an affordable component in crafts, decorations, and keepsakes. In this article, Meridian Floral & Gifts is going to share a few techniques to make your own dried bouquets and pressed flowers.

Choosing the Right Flowers

Selecting the right flowers is crucial for successful drying, since sometimes different kinds of flowers work well for pressing and drying. Flowers with sturdy petals and minimal moisture content, such as roses, lavender, and baby's breath, are ideal for drying, whereas thin flowers with a single layer of petals work best for pressing.

1. Air Drying:

Air drying is one of the simplest and most effective methods for drying flowers, and it works great for drying wedding bouquets if you want them to retain a rustic look. To air dry flowers:

  • Gather your flowers and tie them together at the base with a rubber band or twine.
  • Hang the flowers upside down by the base in a dry, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight, such as a closet or attic.
  • Allow the flowers to air dry for 1-3 weeks, depending on the type of flower and environmental conditions. Flowers with larger blooms have a lot more moisture inside them and will take quite a bit longer than a flower like baby's breath.
  • Once dried, the flowers should feel papery to the touch and retain their color and shape. But be gentle, since they've now grown delicate!

2. Silica Gel Drying:

Silica gel is a desiccant that you'll often find in little packets, and which is pretty toxic to people (so be careful). Silica gel absorbs moisture and facilitates drying while preserving the color and shape of flowers. To dry flowers with silica gel:

  • Place a layer of silica gel in the bottom of an airtight container.
  • Trim the stems of the flowers and place them (or the remaining buds) upright in the container, ensuring they are not touching each other. You'll want to dry the larger flowers and smaller flowers separately.
  • Pour silica gel over the flowers until they are completely covered, using your hands to pinch the gel and place it in the petals. The higher up you start when dusting the flowers, the more softly it lands on the flower. You'll also want to pack some of the petals before laying the gel over the flowers.
  • Seal the container and allow the flowers to dry for 2-7 days, depending on the thickness of the petals and the type of flower. Thicker flowers will need a little bit more time, especially if there's a lot of them.
  • Once dried, gently brush away any remaining silica gel from the flowers. A little handheld squeezer bottle full of air can help with this.

We've found this handy little tutorial that helps out with the process step by step. Fun fact, silica gel is reusable if you let it dry out!

3. Pressing Flowers:

Pressing flowers is a traditional method of drying that works great for using the flowers later as art pieces or for journaling. Keep in mind that flowers with thicker blooms like carnations and large roses often don't press very well. To press flowers:

  • Place the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper, such as blotting paper or newspaper. Anything that doensn't have lamination will work.
  • Arrange the flowers in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.
  • Place a book on top of the flowers, and then use heavy books or even weights on top of your flattening book to apply continuous pressure.
  • Leave the flowers pressed for 1-2 weeks, replacing the paper if it becomes damp. Be careful when pulling the paper off since removing it while damp can damage the petals.
  • Once dried, the pressed flowers can be placed between sheets of plastic or glass for easy art, or kept pressed in a diary or book.

4. Microwave Drying:

Drying flowers in a microwave is probably the fastest way to dry flowers, provided its done correctly. Microwaving requires caution to avoid overheating and damaging the flowers, so make sure you have a changeable power setting on your microwave. To microwave dry flowers:

  • Remove any unnecessary stems and leaves from the bouquet.
  • Place the flowers between two layers of paper towel or tissue paper, while making sure they're not weighted down.
  • Microwave the flowers on low power for 2-3 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to prevent overheating.
  • Once dried, the flowers should feel dry to the touch and retain their color and shape.

Drying flowers can be a great way to preserve your wedding bouquet or to preserve fresh flowers permanently for crafts or decor, or just to enjoy them for years to come. Whether air drying, using silica gel, pressing, or microwaving, the proper technique is what works for you and what ensures that your flowers retain their color, shape, and vibrancy. If you have any questions or you have your own tips to preserve your fresh flowers, talk to Meridian Floral on Instagram or Facebook and start the conversation!

Crafting Memories with Every Bouquet

As the leading flower place in Meridian, Meridian Floral is dedicated to crafting more than just bouquets—we create lasting memories. Our commitment to quality and our same-day flower delivery service ensures that every arrangement is as fresh as it is beautiful. From the moment you step into our flower shop in Meridian or place your order online, you'll feel the difference that genuine care and expertise can make. Trust Meridian Floral to make every occasion special.