DRYING FLOWERS
 The three most popular
techniques for drying or
preserving fresh flowers
without the use of equipment,
are silica gel, using a
microwave, and air drying.
Freeze-drying flowers, today’s
state of the art method is
discussed in another section.
The best time to gather
flowers for drying is at the
peak of their bloom and
preferably when the weather is
dry. If you pick them when damp,
gently blot off excess moisture
with a soft paper towel or
tissue.
When using silica gel, the
best results for drying flowers
are obtained by using generous
amounts. Using an air-tight
container made of plastic, glass
or tin is suggested. Pour
approximately a two to three
inch layer of silica gel into
the container, depending on how
large the flowers are. Then
arrange the flowers on this
layer, the next step is to cover
the flowers completely with
silica gel. Flat flowers, such
as daisies, should be placed
face down; cup flowers such as
tulips or roses, should be face
up, the sides of the flowers
need to be supported by the
drying agent; sprays of flowers
should be laid down on the
mixture. Once flowers are in
place, carefully add more
mixture until they are fully
covered. Be sure to fill the
spaces between petals, and also
be sure that the petals are not
touching each other.
(For specific
information about getting your own
flowers preserved, see our "preserving
flowers" questions and answers.)
It is important that this is
done carefully and gently, as
simply pouring the granules onto
the blooms will flatten them.
The best way to do this is to
pour the granules around the
edge of the container, and then
shake it gently so that the
Silica Gel moves to the center
of the container, building up
around the flowers and filling
up the spaces between the
petals, until the fresh flowers
are completely covered.
It takes between two days and
a week for drying flowers. The
length of time for drying
flowers depends entirely on the
type of flower you are drying.
Also, the best results are
obtained by only drying one type
of flower per container since
the flowers with thick fleshy
petals will take longer to dry
than those with thin papery
petals.
It is important to regularly
check the state of the dried
flowers, because if they are
left too long in the silica gel,
they will become brittle and the
petals will break.
When your dried flowers are
complete, remove them gently
from the silica gel, either by
hand or using a slotted spoon,
and remove any residual granules
with a soft water-color brush.
Another method for drying
flowers is in the microwave.
There are many variations for
drying flowers in the microwave,
since all microwaves are
different. It requires that you
experiment with the techniques
and times. The time for drying
flowers can be reduced
dramatically, but it is better
to dry only a few flowers at a
time.
When drying flowers in the
microwave, place a small dish of
water inside of the microwave to
prevent over drying. Use only a
microwave container, and place
enough of the silica gel around
the flowers for support. Dig
spaces in the silica gel that
are big enough to place the
flowers in, right side up.
 Once you have covered the
flowers, micro-wave them on high
for one minute. Let them cool
undisturbed for 30 minutes, then
check that the flowers are dry,
if not repeat the process. The
time it takes for drying flowers
with this method is not exact,
since drying flowers this way
depends on the type of flower
being dried, and the power of
your microwave.
It is also recommended by
experienced microwave dryers
that you let the flowers sit in
their containers for another
24-48 hours before removing from
the drying agent.
For drying flowers without
using silica gel simply wrap the
flowers in a paper towel. For
flat faced flowers, such as
pansies or Queen Anne's lace,
set a small plate on top of the
flower to keep its shape. Drying
flowers can take anywhere from
one to three minutes.
Experimenting with your
microwave is essential.
Air drying flowers is
considered the oldest and
easiest method for drying
flowers, since there is no
special equipment needed. You
simply gather bunches of
flowers, tie their stems
together tightly with a string
or rubber band and hang them
upside down. The flower bunches
should be hung in a warm, dry,
preferably dark place with good
air circulation. It can take up
to three to four weeks for
drying flowers. When the dried
flowers are complete they should
feel dry to the touch. They can
then be taken down and then
sprayed with hair spray or a
clear lacquer, with a matte
finish, to help hold their
shape.
Drying flowers can be a fun
and rewarding hobby. Most dried
flowers will last for at least a
year. However, once you start
drying flowers you may enjoy it
so much you won’t want to stop.
(For specific information about
getting your own flowers preserved,
see our "preserving
flowers" questions and answers.) |
