Extend the life of your favourite florals with these easy tips.

From wedding bouquets to sentimental arrangements, there are plenty of reasons to want to preserve flowers. But simply leaving them in a vase won’t do.

Drying removes the moisture from the petals and stems while preserving the colour and style of the flowers.

Here are four simple ways to do it. 

Air dry

The easiest and most affordable way is to air dry your blooms. 

Time: Two to four weeks

1. Trim the stem and remove any rotted or damaged foliage. 

2. Tie the stems together in a loose bunch with a rubber band or string.

3. Hang them in a naturally cool, dry spot. 

Silica 

Another popular method for drying is using silica. These crystals help preserve the shape and texture of your flowers, making this a great option for drying special arrangements.

Time: Three to four weeks

1. Fill a large container (preferably plastic) with one to two inches of silica. 

2. Place your trimmed flowers in the container.

3. Gently pour more silica onto the blooms until they’re fully covered. 

Oven

Yes, you can use your oven to dry flowers! Fair warning: this method requires more working time than the others. You’ll have to remove the stems from your flowers, so this is best for drying petals, such as roses.

Time: 12 to 24 hours

1. Spread the flower heads out on a baking tray.

2. Place the flowers into an oven preheated to the lowest heat setting.

3. Turn the petals occasionally. 

Pressed 

If you plan to use your flowers for crafts—such as a bookmark, cards, or a collage—pressing them is an easy way to preserve them in a flat way. 

Time: One to four weeks

1. Trim the flower to the part that you want to keep.

2. Place two sheets of wax or parchment paper between the pages of a heavy book. 

3. Put the flower between the paper, then shut the book. You may want to stack another heavy object on top for more weight. 

4. Ensure the moisture is all gone before you remove the flower.

Recommended

‘Grandma Hobbies’ Are Trending—And They Have Surprising Mental Health Benefits

By: Sara Romano

Crafters, rejoice! So-called “grandma hobbies” are not only cool as ever, they have no shortage of benefits for your brain and overall well-being. 

Read More

Recommended

8 Tips For Watering Your Garden Without Wasting H2O

By: Canadian Living

Gardening season is in full swing! Are you concerned about saving water without sacrificing the beauty of your garden and the productivity of your veggie patch? Read on for tips on how to preserve greenery without wasting precious H20.

Read More