Fresh flower bouquets can be memorable but transient. A fresh arrangement will usually only last seven to ten days, though there are things you can do to extend their life. But sometimes, especially if the flowers were given to you for a special occasion or as a token of sympathy, you might not be prepared to part with a bouquet after just one week. Thankfully, flowers may be preserved, and the memories they evoked are not lost. See two more methods of flower preservation as well as how to dry flowers below.
How to Hang Dryer Flowers to Preserve Them
One of the easiest ways to preserve a whole bouquet of flowers is to use the air-drying method. All you’ll need is some patience and perseverance because it will take a few weeks for the blooms to completely dry using this approach. This is how you do it:
- Using a paper towel, gently dry the flower stems first.
- Remove any overgrowth and leaves that are wilting or becoming brown.
- Collect flowers and arrange them into bundles according to how you want them to be kept. You can divide the bouquet into smaller bundles or leave the arrangement grouped together. (This identical technique can also be applied to single flower stems.)
- Cut a lengthy length of twine that will allow you to wrap it around the bundle several times, plus an extra length for hanging.
- Tighten the bundle by tying a knot after circling the stems many times with the thread.
- Using the extra twine, fasten the bundle(s) to a hook or nail in the wall by hanging them upside-down. To assist the flowers dry more uniformly and prevent rotting, it is ideal to place them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. If at all possible, keep the flowers out of direct sunlight to avoid color fading.
- Give the flowers two to three weeks to dry completely.
How to Press Flowers to Preserve Them
Pressing is an excellent technique if your goal is to use your flowers for a craft project instead of arranging them in a vase. You will be left with two-dimensional, flat-dried flowers after pressing, which can be utilized for many art projects nearly like stickers. This is how you do it:
- Begin by removing the specific flowers from the arrangement that you wish to save. When pressed, naturally flat flowers such as buttercups, pansies, and daisies provide the best full-flower, “bird’s eye” perspective. Additionally, vertically blooming flowers can be pressed to get a more side view.
- Place the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper on a level surface. You can use newspapers, printer paper, or even coffee filters.
- Put a thick book on top of the paper and use a thick object to press the book down. (You might also use extra books, a block, or a paperweight.) The flowers can also be inserted inside the book; just make sure to cover the book’s pages with additional layers of paper to prevent the pigment from the flowers from transferring.
- Give the flowers two to three weeks to dry completely.
How to Use a Microwave to Preserve Flowers
It may seem strange, but using a microwave to preserve flowers works incredibly well. The key ingredient in this recipe is silica gel, which is available at craft stores. It acts as a drying agent by absorbing moisture, but the microwave helps to expedite the process. This is how it operates:
- First, clip flower stems to a length of one to two inches.
- Fill a bowl or container that is suitable to use in the microwave with a 1- to 2-inch layer of silica gel.
- Lay the flowers faceup on the silica gel’s base. Next, add extra silica gel to the flowers gradually so as not to crush the petals.
- Put the container in the microwave, uncovered.
- Start microwaving on a low setting for two to five minutes; the amount of time will vary based on the type and quantity of flowers.
- Take the container out of the microwave and let it to cool after the flowers are completely dry. After covering the container, let the flowers sit in the silica gel for a minimum of one night, up to 24 hours.
- When the flowers are ready, take them out of the container and use a soft brush to gently brush out any silica gel that may have remained.
