| Not all flowers can be dried. Usually those flowers | | | | Usually a bent paper clip is a ideal hanger for your |
| can be dried which are strong-stemmed, colorful, | | | | bunches. Next you have to put a paper or a cloth |
| compact, and relatively low in moisture content. | | | | on the floor under the hanging bunches to catch |
| Not necessarily that you will require a large | | | | fallen seeds, leaves, flowers and petals. Hang |
| quantities of such flowers. In fact just three or | | | | bunches at separate spaces to allow good air |
| four plants of each type will produce enough | | | | circulation. |
| stems for many dried arrangements. When the | | | | How Long to Hang Flowers |
| first flowers reach maturity start harvesting | | | | Usually it takes about 10-15 days. When dried, the |
| stems. Take as much stems as possible. It is | | | | stems should snap. Make sure the flowers inside |
| better that you harvest more flowers than you | | | | are thoroughly dry. |
| may need. | | | | Use Silica Gel to Dry Flowers |
| Various options | | | | Take a airtight, plastic or glass tray or container. |
| Air-drying: This is the most popular and the | | | | Spread silica gel inside the container. Spread the |
| simplest way to preserve flowers. Air-drying | | | | flowers out, faceup inside the container on top of |
| flowers requires cool, dry air. Choose the drying | | | | the gel. Again sprinkle more silica on top until all |
| room and make it ready for drying before | | | | the flowers are completely covered with silica. |
| harvest. Don't use humid kitchens and bathrooms. | | | | Close the container, and don't disturb it for 3 to 4 |
| Large closets make good drying rooms. Though | | | | days. |
| garages, sheds, hot attics, damp cellars are | | | | You Can Use a Microwave Oven to Dry Flowers |
| considered suitable places to dry flowers, they | | | | This is one of the fastest method to dry flowers. |
| are actually not. Low light is fine but do not go for | | | | For quick drying, dry the flowers using silica gel as |
| direct sunlight. Use a dehumidifier, along with a | | | | mentioned above and then microwave them. In |
| low-speed fan to circulate air, especially if the | | | | order to get the true color and to avoid over |
| climate is humid. The quicker the drying process, | | | | drying then, dry the flowers one at a time. The |
| the better. | | | | oven should be set on medium to low power. Seal |
| Hanging Flower Bunches: Suspend a 1 | | | | the container and microwave the flowers for 2 to |
| 2-inch-diameter pipe or may be a horizontal pole | | | | 3 min. Let the flowers cool for at least 15 min. If |
| from the ceiling. If your ceiling does not have the | | | | the flowers require more drying, repeat for 30 s |
| option of fastening hooks, you can use or two | | | | intervals, but don't forget the cooling period. |
| high-backed chairs or tripods to support the pole. | | | | |