{"id":20637,"date":"2026-10-01T09:00:17","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T08:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/?p=20637"},"modified":"2026-09-28T16:32:53","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T15:32:53","slug":"how-to-dry-flowers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/how-to-dry-flowers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to dry flowers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether they\u2019re roses from your other half or a \u201cthought you could do with a bit of cheering up\u201d delivery from a friend, there\u2019s nothing sadder than watching a gorgeous bunch of flowers wilt away on the windowsill. Luckily though, you don\u2019t have to chuck them away after a week or so, as drying your flowers is actually pretty simple.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From good old-fashioned air drying to using silica gel, we\u2019ll take you through some easy ways to preserve your flowers so you can keep them looking lovely for much longer. Let\u2019s dive straight into it!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to dry flowers: three simple ways<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are a few different ways to dry flowers, and the method you choose will depend on the type of flowers you have and how you\u2019d like them to look. Here are some of the easiest methods to try at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Air drying\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re after the easiest method, air drying is probably your best bet. You\u2019ll just need your flowers, some string or rubber bands, and a suitable place to hang them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Start by choosing the flowers you want to dry. Ideally, they\u2019ll be fresh and have only just bloomed. Cut the stems to your desired length and pull off all the leaves (removing foliage helps prevent rotting as they\u2019re drying).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Group your flowers into small bunches of 3-6 stems and wrap these tightly at the base using string or a rubber band.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Hang your bunches upside down in a dark, well-ventilated place (like an attic or cupboard). Make sure they\u2019re spaced a few inches apart.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Leave your flowers for 2-3 weeks until they have completely dried out. You\u2019ll know they are ready when the petals feel dry and crisp.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Be gentle when you take them down, then spray them with unscented hairspray to help them keep their shape.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Microwave drying\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

    While the microwave might not be the first thing that comes to mind if you\u2019re wondering how to preserve flowers, it can actually be surprisingly effective. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to do: <\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. Remove any excess foliage from your flowers and cut them to size.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. If you have different types of flowers, it\u2019s best to separate them into batches, as they can take different amounts of time to dry.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Put a layer of silica gel in the bottom of a microwave-safe container then place our flowers on top. Cover them with more gel.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Heat them in short bursts (10-30-second intervals), checking them frequently to prevent burning.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    5. Let the flowers dry and cool (this can take a while since silica gel can get very hot, so take care handling the container). Finally, brush away the gel.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Silica gel<\/span><\/h3>\n

      If you\u2019re looking for an alternative to air drying or using your microwave, using silica gel by itself is another easy option. Follow these five simple steps for perfectly dried blooms!<\/span><\/p>\n

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      1. Prepare your flowers by removing any unwanted leaves and trimming your stems to the size you want.<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Find an appropriate-sized container and pour a layer of silica gel into the bottom of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      3. Carefully place your flowers on top, and pour in another layer of gel so they are covered.<\/span><\/li>\n
      4. Seal the container with a lid and leave for 3-7 days until fully dry.<\/span><\/li>\n
      5. Once they\u2019re ready, gently lift your flowers out and brush away any gel.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        What are the best flowers for drying?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Now that you\u2019re basically a flower-drying expert, what are some of the best flowers to dry? Some naturally lend themselves to drying better than others, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n