Drying flowers is an excellent way to preserve their beauty for long periods. There are several methods for drying flowers, and the best one depends on the type of flower and the desired final result. Here are some simple ways to dry flowers for long-term preservation.
One popular method is air drying. To air dry flowers, gather a small bunch and tie the stems together with a string or rubber band. Hang the bunch upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place with good airflow. It usually takes about two to three weeks for the flowers to dry completely. This method works best for flowers like lavender, roses, and daisies.
Another effective drying method is pressing. This method is particularly useful for delicate flowers like pansies and violets. Place the flowers between sheets of parchment paper and press them between the pages of a heavy book. Leave them for about two weeks, checking occasionally to make sure the flowers are drying evenly.
If you're looking for a faster method, you can use silica gel. Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture quickly. To dry flowers with silica gel, pour a layer of the gel into a shallow container, place the flowers face down, and cover them with more silica gel. Leave the flowers in the container for about a week, and they will be fully dried and ready for use.
Microwave drying is another option if you want to speed up the process. To microwave dry flowers, place the flowers between two paper towels and put them in the microwave. Microwave in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking between each burst to see how the flowers are drying. This method works best for small flowers like lavender and small daisies.
Lastly, you can use an oven to dry flowers. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting (around 100°F or 40°C) and place the flowers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave the flowers in the oven for about two to three hours, checking regularly to ensure they don't burn. This method is suitable for flowers with sturdy petals, such as sunflowers and roses.