Flower drying secrets for extended beauty at home

Dried flowers are valued not only for their decorative and crafting uses but also for their potential to be brewed into hot drinks. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they also provide a source of income for those who specialise in drying flowers professionally.

There are various methods to dry flowers, including using a microwave, air fryer, and other techniques that do not require specialised equipment. Here are the details:

Air drying flowers

To preserve the beauty of flowers and air-dry them efficiently, select blooms that are at their peak. Avoid flowers that are wilting, shedding petals, or showing signs of moisture and dirt, as these will decay more quickly. Then, trim the stems by removing the leaves and a small part of the stem, being careful not to over-prune. Optionally, you can bundle the stems with a rubber band or dry them individually.

Place the flowers in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated place to facilitate rapid drying quickly and prevent mould. For optimal results, hang the flowers with petals facing downward and stems upward. If preferred, apply hairspray to increase their stability.

Note: Flowers generally require about four weeks to fully dry. You can determine their dryness when the stems break easily.

Drying flower petals in the microwave

Drying flower petals in the microwave is ideal for those who want only dried petals. To use this method, separate the petals and place them between two sheets of kitchen paper, wrapped like a sandwich. Microwave the wrapped petals in 45 to 60-second intervals. Be sure to check them between the intervals to ensure they are thoroughly dried.

Drying flowers in the air fryer

If you have an air fryer, it can be used to dry flowers. Set this kitchen appliance to the drying mode and arrange the flowers evenly on the tray. Ensure sufficient spacing between the flowers to avoid colour fading. Regularly check the flowers during the process, as drying typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the flowers size and type.

Drying flowers with water

Instead of using conventional drying methods, you can get beautifully dried flowers with a simple technique. Begin by removing any unwanted green leaves while preserving the stems. Add a small amount of water to a bucket and place the flowers inside. Over the next two to three weeks, the water will evaporate, allowing the flowers to dry naturally.

Drying flowers in books

To effectively dry flowers using books, start by removing the green leaves, which hold significant moisture and complicate the drying process. Next, carefully place the flowers between the pages of a heavy book to ensure they are firmly compressed. It is best to leave the flowers in the book undisturbed for up to two weeks, allowing them to dry thoroughly without leaving any marks on the book.

This method, coupled with the earlier methods, aids in keeping memories linked to dried flowers intact for a long time. Botanical artist Hannah Williams agrees on this point, saying: “Dried flowers are a captured moment that can last for many years to come.”

References 

[1] mindbodygreen.com, How To Dry & Preserve Flowers: 5 Methods & Pro Tips
[2] medium.com, How to dry roses
[3] thesmellofroses.com, 5 BEST WAYS TO DRY ROSES SO THEY LAST FOREVER
[4] masterclass.com, How to Dry Roses: 5 Ways to Dry Roses
[5] lovetoknow.com, 4 Ways to Dry Roses (So You Can Enjoy Them Forever)