How to Dry Flowers

About Drying Flowers for Indoor Arrangements

There are many, many reasons for drying flowers. One common reason is to preserve a flower you received from a special someone, or as a memento from a special event. Another big reason is to place them in dried arrangements. The great news, is many flowers are good candidates, many of which will retain their colors. Whatever your incentive, here are the simple steps on how to dry flowers.

Drying flowers is pretty easy to do. So, let’s get started.

How to Dry Cut Flowers

One method, popular with roses, is to place a single rose in a book. Close the book, and put it away. When you open the book several weeks later, the rose has dried out and is now preserved as a keepsake for an indefinite period…years and even decades. However, there’s just one big downside to this method. The flower is flat.

Flower Drying Tip: If there is any moisture on the flower, use a paper towel to dab away excess moisture.

The most popular way for drying flowers is almost as simple. It’s used for drying a wide variety of flowers, maintains the flower shape, and usually retains most, if not all of its color. Here’s how:

Take the flower or a small, loose bunch of flowers and hang them upside down.
If you bundle them, do not tie them too tightly. And, do not make a thick bundle.
Hang them in a cool dry place.
Make certain there is good air circulation. Air circulation is vital, to avoid mold developing on the flower, which will ruin them.
Keep them out of direct sunlight, as the sun fades the colors.

After they have completely dried, you can put them into a vase, to make attractive and colorful Fall arrangements, that will last for a very long time.