How to Store Dried Flowers

Love dried flowers? We do, too!

There’s something beautiful about the way dried blooms capture the essence of nature, preserving it for us to enjoy long after spring has sprung. However, to keep these delicate treasures looking their best, proper storage is key.

Whether you’re a seasoned florist or a crafting enthusiast looking to incorporate a bit of nature into your projects, we're going to show you how to dry and how to store dried flowers, ensuring that they are preserved perfectly for months or even years to come.

Let’s dive in so you can keep your cherished blooms vibrant and full of life.

How to Dry Flowers at Home

Drying flowers is a beautiful way to preserve the essence of your favorite blooms. Below, we explore three methods for preserving, each tailored to suit different floral varieties.

Air Drying: The Classic Method

Air drying is perhaps the most traditional method of floral preservation, celebrated for its simplicity and rustic charm. This is best suited for sturdy flowers like roses, lavender, and hydrangeas, allowing them to retain their natural shape and color over time.

• Select Your Flowers: Look for blooms that are not yet fully opened and free from blemishes.
• Prepare the Stems: Trim the stems to your desired length, removing excess foliage to prevent mold.
• Tie and Hang: Group the flowers into small bunches, securing the stems together. Next, hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
• Check for Dryness: After two to four weeks, once they are completely dry, they’re ready to be used or displayed.

Pressing Flowers: Capturing Delicate Beauty

Pressing flowers allows you to preserve their vibrant colors in a flattened state, making them perfect for framing, scrapbooking, or embellishments for personalized cards. This method works exceptionally well for more delicate blooms like violets, pansies, and ferns.

• Selection and Preparation: Choose types that are relatively flat and free of moisture for best results.
• Pressing Technique: Place them between parchment paper within the pages of a heavy book or a specialized press.
• Wait Time: Leave them to press for two to three weeks, checking regularly.
• Use and Display: Once fully dry, they are ready for your creative projects.

Using Silica Gel: Ensuring Vibrant Preservation

For those looking to preserve their flowers with minimal shape distortion and keep their vibrant colors, silica gel is a fantastic option. It’s particularly good for bulkier blooms like peonies, chrysanthemums, or tulips, which might not dry well using other methods.

• Prepare the Container: Begin with a layer of silica gel in an airtight container.
• Arrange the Flowers: Carefully place your flowers on the gel, then gently cover them with more gel until completely submerged.
• Seal and Wait: Secure the lid of the container and store it in a cool, dry place. Check in a week for dryness.
• Remove and Store: Once dry, gently remove them, shaking off any excess silica gel.

The Importance of Proper Storage

While dried flowers, once preserved, can last for many years, their lifespan heavily depends on the method of storage. In other words, proper storage conditions can significantly extend their life, allowing you to enjoy your keepsakes for as long as possible. This is particularly valuable for wedding bouquets or others with sentimental value.

Hence, let’s take a look at some benefits of good storage in detail:

1. Protects Against Damage and Deterioration

These beautiful keepsakes are incredibly delicate. They can easily crumble, break, or lose their color if not stored properly. By choosing the right storage conditions, you guard against physical damage and the natural fading that can occur over time.

2. Maintains Color and Shape

Exposure to elements such as direct sunlight, humidity, and heat can significantly alter their appearance. To avoid this, proper storage shields them and helps to maintain their color and shape. This is especially important for any flowers preserved using silica gel, where the vibrant hues and shapes are a part of their appeal.

3. Prevents Mold and Pest Infestation

Moisture is the enemy of preservation, potentially leading to mold growth or attracting pests that can ruin your collection. Placing your blooms in a dry, cool environment minimizes these risks, ensuring that they remain pristine and free from unwanted guests.

4. Enables Creative Use

When stored correctly, they are readily available for spontaneous creativity. They can be transformed into wreaths, arranged within frames, or even incorporated into handmade paper, offering endless avenues for expression.

How to Store Your Dried Flowers

Now, let’s delve into the heart of the topic! This section will guide you on how to best store your dried botanical treasures so that they are cared for in the best way possible. 

Choose the Right Container

Choosing the right storage container helps to preserve the longevity and quality of your blooms. Airtight containers are ideal, as they help maintain the essence of your flowers by protecting them from moisture and dust. 

Here is the best storage solution for different sizes:

• For Individual Petals or Smaller Blooms: Small glass jars or envelopes made of acid-free paper can be perfect.
• For Larger Bouquets or Stems: Sturdy cardboard boxes or archival-quality storage boxes are suitable, ensuring there's enough room to avoid any damage.

Maintain Optimal Environment Conditions

As also discussed above, the environment where you store your flowers can make all the difference in preserving their quality. The ideal environment should be made up of these three things:

• Keep It Cool: Store them in a cool part of your home, away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat can cause the flowers to become brittle and fade.
• Avoid Humidity: A dry environment is crucial for preventing mold growth. Consider using silica gel packets in your storage containers to absorb any excess moisture.
• Stay Dark: Exposure to sunlight can dramatically fade the colors. So, opt for dark places like closets, drawers, or boxes that block out light.

Handle With Care

After the drying process, the petals and stems of the flowers become significantly more fragile, making them susceptible to breakage with even the slightest rough handling. This fragility demands a gentle touch, ensuring the flowers' structure and beauty remain intact. Light, precise movements are essential, not just during storage but also when arranging or relocating them.

Label Your Containers

If you’re storing different types of flowers, especially if you plan to use them for crafts or as gifts, label each container accordingly. In addition to this, include the type and the date they were preserved. This not only helps with organization but also with tracking how long they’ve been stored, giving you an idea of their longevity over time.

Regular Checks

Remember to regularly check on your floral treasures to ensure they remain in good condition. Look out for any signs of moisture or mold and replace silica gel packets as needed. This meticulous care can help catch any potential issues early before they affect the entire collection.

8 Creative Ideas for Stored Dried Flowers