How To Conserve Flowers

Want to keep your favorite blooms looking beautiful long after they’re picked? Learning how to conserve flowers is a rewarding skill that lets you enjoy their beauty for months or even years. It’s easier than you might think, and you can often start with items you already have at home. This guide covers simple, effective methods anyone can try.

There are several reliable ways to preserve flowers. The best method for you depends on the type of bloom and how you plan to use it. Some techniques maintain the flower’s shape and color remarkably well, while others create a more rustic, dried aesthetic. Let’s look at the most popular and simple preservation techniques.

Air Drying: The Classic Method

Air drying is the simplest and oldest technique. It requires minimal supplies and is great for robust flowers like roses, lavender, and baby’s breath. The key is to remove moisture slowly in a dark, dry place.

Here’s how to do it:

Gather your flowers when they are at their peak, preferably in the late morning after dew has dried.
Strip off any excess leaves from the stems.
Bundle 4-6 stems together and secure them with a rubber band (it tightens as stems shrink).
Hang each bundle upside down in a warm, dark, and well-ventilated room like a closet or attic.
Leave them for 2-4 weeks until they are completely dry and crisp to the touch.

Pressing Flowers for Flat Keepsakes

Pressing is perfect for sentimental blooms from a wedding bouquet or a special garden specimen. It flattens the flower, making it ideal for framing, card making, or placing in a journal. Delicate flowers like pansies, violets, and ferns press best.

You can use a traditional flower press or heavy books:

Arrange flowers face down on absorbent paper, like parchment or newspaper.
Make sure petals and leaves aren’t overlapping to much.
Place another sheet on top, then close the press or book.
Add extra weight on top of the book, like more books or a brick.
Check after 2-3 weeks. They should be completely flat and dry.

Using Silica Gel for Vibrant Color

If you want to preserve a flower’s three-dimensional shape and vibrant color, silica gel is your best bet. This sandy substance absorbs moisture rapidly. You can buy it at craft stores, and it often can be reused.

Pour a one-inch layer of silica gel into an airtight container.
Trim your flower stem, leaving about an inch. Place the bloom upright in the gel.
Gently pour more silica gel around and between the petals until the flower is completely covered.
Seal the container lid tightly and leave it for 3-7 days. Thicker flowers may need longer.
Carefully pour off the gel and use a soft brush to remove any remaining grains.

Choosing the Right Blooms for Silica Gel

Not all flowers react the same. Roses, zinnias, and marigolds hold up excellently. Avoid very fleshy flowers like tulips, as they can wilt or lose petals during the process. Always start with flowers that are perfectly dry and at their peak.

The Simple Microwave Method

For speed, you can use your microwave. This method combines pressing with rapid drying. You’ll need two microwave-safe plates and some absorbent paper.

Prepare your flower as you would for pressing, sandwiching it between paper towels.
Place the sandwich between two ceramic plates.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking for dryness after each.
Let the flower cool completely between checks. It usually takes 1-3 minutes total.

Be careful, as some flowers can scorch. It’s a good idea to do a test with a single bloom first to get the timing right for that type.

Preserving with Glycerin: For Flexible Foliage

This unique method replaces the water in the plant with glycerin, resulting in supple, long-lasting leaves and some flowers. It’s fantastic for eucalyptus, ferns, and beebalm. The color often changes to an antique bronze or deep green.

Mix one part glycerin with two parts very warm water in a tall container.
Crush the bottom inch of your stems and place them in the solution.
Keep the container out of direct sunlight and let the stems absorb the mixture for 1-3 weeks.
You’ll know it’s done when you see beads of glycerin on the leaves and the color has changed.

Tips for Success Before You Start

A little preparation makes a big difference in your results. Follow these tips to get the best outcome from any method.

Always pick flowers on a dry day, after the morning dew has evaporated.
Choose blooms that are just opened, not ones that are already starting to fade.
Work quickly after cutting to prevent wilting before preservation begins.
For hanging or silica gel, shorter stems are often easier to manage and dry more evenly.

Displaying and Caring for Preserved Flowers

Your preserved flowers are fragile. To make them last, keep them away from direct sunlight, which causes colors to fade quickly. Also avoid humid areas like bathrooms, as moisture can cause them to wilt or mold.

Dust them gently with a soft brush or the cool setting on a hairdryer held at a distance. Don’t use water or cleaning sprays. If you’re displaying pressed flowers, use UV-protective glass in your frames to prevent sun damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to preserve flowers at home?
Air drying is the easiest method. It requires no special materials—just string and a dark, dry space. It’s very forgiving for beginners.

How can I preserve flowers so they keep there color?
Silica gel drying is the best for color retention. The fast moisture removal helps lock in the original hues better than slow air drying.

Can I preserve a whole bouquet?
It’s often better to preserve bouquet flowers individually. Different flower types dry at different rates. You can reassemble them into a permanent arrangement after each kind is properly preserved.

How long do preserved flowers last?
With proper care, they can last for years. Pressed flowers sealed in a frame often last the longest, sometimes decades. Dried arrangements are more delicate and typically last 1-3 years if kept dry and out of sunlight.

Why did my pressed flowers turn brown?
Browning is often caused by excess moisture during the pressing process, or from using flowers that were not fully fresh. Ensure your pressing paper is absorbent and change it if it feels damp during the first few days.

With these simple techniques, you can hold onto the beauty of your garden or a special occasion. Experiment with different methods to find your favorite way to conserve flowers. Each technique offers a unique look, from the rustic charm of air-dried bundles to the vivid detail of silica gel treasures.