How to Dry Flowers Naturally: Air-Drying, Pressing & Desiccant Methods

Preserve garden beauty for year-round enjoyment. Drying flowers is simple, low-tech, and deeply satisfying—whether for wreaths, potpourri, framed art, or sentimental keepsakes.

Best Candidates: "Everlastings"

These retain color/shape naturally:

• Yarrow, Baby's Breath, Goldenrod, Globe Thistle
• Statice, Strawflower, Larkspur, Delphinium
• Lavender, Salvia, Cockscomb, Globe Amaranth
• Bergenia, Celosia, Amaranth, Nigella pods
• Grasses: Bunny tails, Quaking grass, Wheat

But experiment—many "non-everlastings" dry beautifully (roses, peonies, hydrangeas).

Harvest Rules

• Time: Mid-morning, after dew dries, before heat stress.
• Stage: Just before full bloom (buds opening).
• Condition: Dry, no rain/spray residue. Wet = mold.
• Foliage: Include complementary greens (eucalyptus, ferns, grasses).

Method 1: Air-Drying (Easiest, Most Common)

1. Bundle 8–10 stems with rubber band (contracts as stems shrink).
2. Hang upside down in dark, dry, well-ventilated space (attic, closet, garage).
3. 2–4 weeks until crisp. Avoid sunlight (fades color).

Method 2: Pressing (For Flat Art)

1. Place flowers between absorbent paper (blotter, coffee filter, newspaper).
2. Layer in heavy book or flower press.
3. Change paper daily for 3–5 days; then weekly.
4. 2–4 weeks total. Best for single-layer blooms: pansies, violas, ferns, leaves.

Method 3: Desiccant Burial (Best Color Retention)

1. Mix 2 parts cornmeal (or silica gel) + 1 part borax.
2. 1″ layer in airtight box.
3. Place flowers face up, not touching.
4. Cover completely with 1″ more mix.
5. Seal; room temp 4 weeks.
6. Brush off gently; store with silica packet.

Silica gel (rechargeable) works faster (3–7 days) and preserves color best.

Method 4: Glycerin (For Supple Foliage)

• Mix 1 part glycerin + 2 parts hot water.
• Submerge stems 2–6 weeks.
• Leaves stay flexible, leather-like. Great for eucalyptus, magnolia, beech.

Storage & Use

• Store in sealed boxes with silica packets.
• Spray with unscented hairspray for durability (optional).
• Use in wreaths, shadow boxes, cards, resin jewelry, potpourri.

Drying connects you to seasons past. Start with a bundle of lavender—you'll be hooked.