Longing for a pop of color on your kitchen table during the winter months? You’re not alone. I find myself pining for a vibrant bouquet, even when my plants aren’t cooperating. The solution? Drying flowers! This simple process allows you to preserve their beauty and bring a touch of summer’s charm into your home year-round.
While dried flowers are stunning in arrangements, they also lend themselves beautifully to craft projects.
Imagine incorporating them into candles, wreaths, glass tiles, or everlasting bouquets – the possibilities are endless! Some plants are dried for their showy blooms, while others are prized for their seed pods or unique shapes.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, dried flowers can also be a lucrative venture at the farmer’s market. Whether you’re targeting customers seeking natural remedies or those looking to add a decorative touch, the potential for profit is significant.
Interested in learning more? Let’s dive into the details.
Best Flowers To Grow For Drying
While many types of flowers can thrive when dried, there are some that really stand out for their ability to retain their beauty and fragrance even after drying. Based on my own experiences, here’s a list of some of the most successful ones I’ve found.
Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)
Globe amaranth is a reliable performer in dried flower arrangements, boasting showy blooms that retain their shape and color well. This versatile flower is easy to grow and thrives during the summer months when many others begin to fade. To get started, sow seeds indoors four weeks before the last expected frost date, then transplant them outside once the danger of frost has passed. When harvesting, it’s best to hang the flowers upside down to dry.
Alternatively, you can dry them with or without stems, depending on your desired end product. Globe amaranth’s fragrant blooms are perfect for potpourri, while their full, button-like appearance makes them a stunning addition to bouquets. The Strawberry Fields variety is particularly striking in its gorgeous red hue, although the flower also comes in yellow, pink, purple, and white varieties for added versatility.
Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum)
Starflower is a favored choice among gardeners for its ease of growth and exceptional drying qualities. Its color and shape remain vibrant even after air drying, making it an excellent option for floral arrangements or craft projects. The sundisc-shaped blooms are available in a kaleidoscope of colors, including orange, red, pink, and yellow. To ensure optimal germination, start the seeds indoors approximately six weeks prior to your region’s last frost date.
As they require light to sprout, gently pat them onto moistened starter mix. Once established, transfer the seedlings to a sunny location in soil rich with added compost. When mature, these flowers can be dried and used to create beautiful, long-lasting arrangements. Sundaze Blaze is another striking variety, boasting bi-colored petals in shades of yellow and orange that add a pop of color when dried.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Hydrangeas are an ideal choice for drying, thanks to their large, showy blooms that look stunning when clustered together in a rustic basket or wide vase. These perennial bushes thrive in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade, where they can soak up moist, rich soil.
One of the unique aspects of hydrangeas is that the flower color responds to the soil’s pH level – acidic soils produce blue blooms, while higher pH levels yield pink flowers, and white flowers remain unaffected by the soil’s acidity.
Drying hydrangeas does require some finesse, as timing is everything. Harvest the blooms in fall once they’ve naturally begun to dry, then either air dry them or use silica gel for enhanced color preservation.
Air drying hydrangeas requires a slightly different approach than other flowers. Rather than hanging them upside down, place them upright in a vase and let them dry at their own pace. One of the joys of drying hydrangeas is that they often take on new hues during the process, adding an extra layer of beauty to these already-remarkable blooms.
Sedum (Sedum oblanceolatum)
Sedums, perennial succulents that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, boast thick stems rich in moisture. To preserve their beauty, it’s essential to dry the flowers quickly through dehydration or silica gel, as air drying can lead to mold formation. Two popular varieties worth considering are ‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Rosy Glow’, which showcase stunning floral displays.
Lavender (Lavandula)
The versatile lavender plant offers a multitude of uses, from culinary applications to herbal remedies and creative pursuits like potpourri-making and crafting. One of its most appealing qualities is its ability to retain its vibrant color and potent fragrance after drying, making it an ideal choice for dried arrangements and craft projects. To reap the benefits of this lovely herb, harvest lavender when the flowers are fully open and exuding a sweet aroma.
The plant responds well to air-drying methods or dehydrators, allowing you to easily preserve its beauty and potency.
Statice (Limonium)
One of the most versatile flowers, statice is often used as a filler in fresh bouquets and can thrive either air dried or with desiccant. This flower comes in a stunning array of colors including yellow, blue, lavender, red, salmon, white, and rose. For optimal results, start seeds indoors six weeks prior to your last expected frost date. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep into a seed-starting mix, ensuring the soil is consistently moist and the temperature remains around 70°F.
Keep in mind that statice seedlings can take their sweet time to emerge – at least three weeks – so patience is key. Once the danger of frost has passed, transplant the young plants outside. Remember to harvest blooms when they’re fully open for maximum beauty and enjoyment.
Cockscomb (Celosia cristata)
The whimsical cockscomb, with its diverse range of unusual shapes, is a delight to behold. This flower thrives when dried using silica gel, but also responds well to air-drying methods. To cultivate celosia from seed, begin by starting them indoors six weeks prior to the anticipated last frost date in your region. Sow seeds into pre-moistened starter mix, lightly covering with soil. Maintain consistent moisture levels throughout the germination process.
As for harvesting, plumed celosia varieties can be gathered when their blooms are almost fully open, while cresteds require a slightly different approach. These thicker, more moist flowers benefit from drying in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold growth.
Bells of Ireland (Moluccella
laevis)
Ireland’s Belles are a distinctive bloom that brings an air of whimsy to dried arrangements and serves as a delightful crafting material. One of their most alluring features is the subtle lemon-mint fragrance they possess, which surprisingly persists even after they’ve been preserved through drying – a process that requires some finesse, as the delicate, bell-shaped blooms can be prone to crumbling if not done just right.
When harvesting these flowers, it’s essential to wait until the bells are fully unfurled. Then, hang the plant upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area, allowing the colors to subtly fade during the drying process.
Ornamental Grasses (Carex sp.)
When crafting dried flower arrangements, it’s easy to get caught up in using traditional blooms like petals and leaves. However, incorporating ornamental grasses can add a unique dimension of texture and visual interest. In fact, certain types of ornamental grasses can create a beautiful wispy effect that elevates the overall aesthetic of the arrangement.
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider growing your own bunny tails, wheat, silk grass, or pampas grass, each offering distinct characteristics that can enhance the overall design.
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Growing milkweed can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially when you attract various species of butterflies to your garden. But that’s not all – the seed pods themselves are also a treasure trove of creative possibilities. Once dry, these pods form small cavities that can be used to create unique ornaments or miniature fairy houses. The natural process of pod development is fascinating as well; they typically begin drying on the plant before opening and scattering their seeds.
For harvesting purposes, it’s best to collect them just prior to this point. To prepare the pods for use in crafts, you’ll need to open them up and remove any fluff and seeds present. If desired, you can separate the fluff and dry it out further to utilize in future projects. As for the seeds themselves, you can either plant them or spread them across an area to create more butterfly-friendly habitats.
When drying the pods, a dehydrator set to 12 hours or silica gel over three to four days are effective methods; just be sure to monitor their progress to ensure they receive sufficient airflow and don’t develop any mildew issues.
Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
Trade in your gardening gloves for a closer look at the stunning variety of thistle species that attract butterflies. These often-maligned flowers can be transformed into breathtaking blooms with a little TLC. To preserve their beauty, carefully remove any prickly leaves before air-drying the stems. Be patient, as this process can take time – but the end result is well worth the effort.
Roses
When it comes to drying flowers, having roses on hand is a must-have for many enthusiasts. To coax out their most vibrant blooms, plant them in soil that’s both well-drained and rich in compost, ideally basking in full sun. Regular fertilization will also ensure a show-stopping display.
Once the blooms have reached their peak, you can dry them using one of several methods: by suspending them in the air, utilizing a dehydrator, or employing silica gel.
No matter which method you choose, you’re sure to be rewarded with a beautiful and long-lasting floral arrangement.
Yarrow
With its dainty foliage and charming blooms, yarrow is a versatile addition to any floral arrangement. Its sunny disposition makes it thrive in warm conditions, and its adaptability extends to soil type – although be warned, unchecked growth can lead to an overabundance of this lovely herb. To preserve its intricate texture, air-drying is the preferred method for yarrow, ensuring its delicate composition remains intact.
How To Dry Flowers
While it may seem like a more delicate task, drying flowers is surprisingly straightforward and similar in process to drying herbs. When fresh flowers aren’t feasible to grow or obtain, drying them becomes a viable option to preserve their beauty for years to come. Fortunately, there are multiple methods to dry your flowers, allowing you to choose the approach that best suits your needs.
Air Dry
When it comes to drying flowers, I employ a similar approach to herbs. To ensure the stems dry evenly, I suspend the blooms upside down on an indoor clothesline or a designated drying rack. For smaller flowers, I create loose bunches, while larger ones are hung individually and secured with twine. Covering the arrangement with a brown paper bag helps keep dust and flies at bay. Before sealing the bag with a rubber band, I carefully cut ventilation holes to allow for airflow.
To prevent the flowers from resting on the bag’s bottom, I elevate them using a screen or collapsible drying rack. The drying process typically takes three to four weeks. Once dry, you can use them as is or lightly coat them with hairspray to protect and preserve their natural color. Personally, I prefer to let my dried blooms remain untainted by chemicals. Storage in plastic tubs or a dresser drawer ensures they remain safe and intact.
Food Dehydrator
You can utilize your food dehydrator to preserve flowers too, which is particularly effective when drying just flower heads or small blooms. To begin with, arrange the flowers on the dehydrator trays with at least 1/2-inch spacing between each one, ensuring optimal air circulation. Place thicker flowers towards the top tray nearest the fan for more efficient drying. If you’re using multiple trays, it’s recommended to pause every few hours and rotate them to ensure even dehydration.
For delicate flower heads, petals, or leaves, consider employing the mesh inserts designed specifically for your dehydrator – this will prevent any loss during the process. Opt for the lowest setting or ‘herb’ mode, as flowers typically require eight hours of drying time, while stems may need up to ten hours.
Silica Gel
You can acquire silica gel from a variety of sources, including craft stores, seed companies, and online retailers. This desiccant is particularly effective when drying delicate flowers and stems or pods that are dense with moisture. Silica gel works by absorbing the excess moisture, thereby hastening the drying process. Its granular texture resembles sea salt, but it’s reusable and toxic if ingested.
When using silica gel to dry flowers, start by spreading a shallow layer of the material in an airtight container, such as plastic or glass jar with a lid. Place your flower heads on top of the silica gel, followed by another inch-thick layer to ensure complete coverage. Seal the container and leave it in a quiet spot for three to five days.
Some types of silica gel contain blue crystals that serve as an indicator, signaling when the material needs to be reheated in a microwave to restore its drying properties. A wide range of flowers can benefit from silica gel drying, including popular varieties like roses, asters, carnations, dahlias, chrysanthemums, celosia, daisies, and zinnias.
Get Drying
When it comes to preserving nature’s beauty, drying flowers is a versatile and creative way to make memories last throughout the year. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to start a unique business venture, a healthcare professional seeking innovative ways to promote wellness, or simply someone who appreciates the aesthetic value of dried flora, this process has got you covered.
Not only can it help bring a touch of elegance to your home decor during the off-season, but it also allows for the preservation of sentimental flowers and keepsakes. So, feel free to share your favorite blooms to dry in the comments below!
