Flowers are typically dried by tying their stems and hanging them upside down. This time-tested method is the best way to dry flowers if you want to display a dried bouquet in a vase or pitcher because the flowers will dry in the most life-like position. Unfortunately, air-drying flowers in this way requires several days for the flowers to dry out completely, and this lengthy wait isn’t always conducive to a busy schedule. If you want to dry your flowers and display them the same day, then the florists at Zeidler’s Flowers in Evansville and Newburgh know of a much faster method.

The Fastest Way to Dry Flowers

Dried Pink Roses

It might seem strange, but you can actually dry your flowers in the microwave…in just minutes! It’s not quite as simple as just popping a few blooms in and pushing the start button; you will need some special supplies including a microwave-safe container or bowl and silica sand.

To dry flowers in the microwave, first, trim foliage from the flowers and any unwanted stems. If you have a mixed bouquet, like the Michiyo, group the flowers by type, as thicker flowers like roses and lighter flowers like alstroemeria will dry at different rates.

Michiyo

Then arrange the flowers inside your container and cover them completely with silica sand. Put the flowers inside the microwave with a cup of water and blast them in 30-second intervals. Check on the progress of your flowers between each interval. The total time needed will depend on the size and type of flowers you’re drying, but most will be completely dry in about two or three minutes. Another quick and unusual method is to “flash-dry” your flowers by putting them into the trunk of your car.

What to Do if You Don’t Have Any Silica Sand

If you don’t have silica sand or want to dry your flowers and keep the full length of their stems, then you can dry them in the oven. This method isn’t as fast as the microwave, as it requires a full day (eight to twelve hours) for flowers to dry completely, but it’ll work just as effectively.

Bouquet of Dried Roses

First, preheat your oven to its lowest heat setting and line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Arrange your flowers on the lined tray. Make sure they do not overlap, as this can cause them to stick together and also lead to uneven drying. When flowers are in the oven, leave the door cracked open to allow moisture to escape. Check on the flowers from time to time to make sure the drying process is going as expected.

How to Preserve a Dried Bouquet

Dried flowers are incredibly delicate, but there are some things you can do to make sure they stay beautiful for a long time.

First, it’s important to make sure they’re dried completely during the initial drying process because any moisture leftover in your flowers will cause them to rot. You’ll know your flowers are totally dry when they start to feel a little like tissue paper.

Bouquet of Dried Flowers

When completely dry, give your flowers a few coats of hairspray. This will make them stronger and will also protect them from sunlight and humidity. Be sure to spray them from a far enough distance that the strong blast of hairspray doesn’t damage their delicate petals. To further protect them, be sure to display in a location where they won’t be faded by direct sunlight or exposed to high amounts of moisture in the air.

For more flower drying advice or specific recommendations about the best flowers for drying, we welcome you to stop by Zeidler’s Flowers.