Preserving Flowers for Flower Arrangements

Flowers are delicate and ephemeral, but with the right techniques, they can be preserved to create stunning flower arrangements that last for a long time. Here is a Flowersby.com guide on how to preserve flowers for your floral creations:

1. Drying:

• Air Drying: One of the simplest methods is air-drying. Bundle flowers together and hang them upside down in a dark, dry place with good air circulation.

• Silica Gel: Silica gel can also be used to dry flowers quickly. Place the flowers in a container with silica gel and leave them for several days until they are dried.

• Pressing: For flat flower preservation, place flowers between two pieces of absorbent paper, then press them within a heavy book for a couple of weeks.

2. Glycerin Preservation:

• Mix equal parts of glycerin and water. Submerge the flowers’ stems in the mixture, allowing the solution to be absorbed by the petals over a few weeks. Glycerin helps maintain the flowers’ natural texture and shape.

3. Freezing:

• Freeze flowers by placing them in an airtight container filled with silica gel or cornmeal. Leave them in the freezer for a few days before carefully removing and thawing them.

4. Wax Dipping:

• Melt paraffin wax, then carefully dip the flowers in the wax. This method helps retain the flowers’ color and shape. Hang them to cool and harden.

5. Using a Flower Press:

• Flowers can be preserved by using a flower press. Layer flowers between sheets of absorbent paper in the press and leave them for a few weeks until fully dried.

Make sure to choose flowers at their peak freshness for the best results, and always handle them gently during the preservation process. Once preserved, these flowers can be beautifully incorporated into various floral arrangements, adding a touch of natural elegance to your home or event decor.