How do I dry and press flowers at home?
The Short Answer
The easiest method is air-drying: hang small bunches upside down in a dark, dry spot for two to three weeks. For flat keepsakes like framed art or bookmarks, press blooms between paper in a heavy book for two to four weeks until they are papery and dry.
Ready to order? Explore fresh, professionally designed arrangements available for local delivery through Bentley Florist.
Air-drying, the simplest keepsake
Air-drying is the classic way to preserve flowers and needs no special supplies. Gather stems into small, loose bunches, tie them with twine or a rubber band, and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated place such as a closet or a dry corner of the basement. Darkness helps the colors hold, and good air flow prevents mold. Give them two to three weeks until the petals feel papery. Flowers that dry especially well include roses, hydrangeas, lavender, statice, baby's breath, and the strawflowers and grasses common in Michigan late-summer bouquets. A finishing mist of unscented hairspray helps them hold together.
Pressing for flat, framed beauty
Pressing is the way to go for flat, delicate keepsakes like framed art, cards, or bookmarks. Choose flat-faced flowers such as pansies, daisies, cosmos, and single-petaled blooms, since thick flowers like roses do not press well whole. Lay them between two sheets of plain, absorbent paper, tuck that inside a heavy book, and stack more weight on top. Swap the paper after a few days to prevent browning, then leave them pressed for two to four weeks. A traditional flower press works the same way with more even pressure. The result is a paper-thin, jewel-like flower that can last for years behind glass.
Choosing and timing your flowers
Preservation rewards good timing. Pick or select flowers at their peak, just before they are fully open, since a flower already past its prime will only look worse dried. Choose blooms that are dry to the touch, never damp from watering or dew, because trapped moisture causes mold. Deeply colored flowers tend to hold their color best, while pale pastels can fade or turn cream. If you want to preserve a bouquet from a wedding or a meaningful occasion, plan the method in advance and start within a day or two while the flowers are still fresh. For the most dimensional results, silica gel is worth exploring.
Planning Tips From Our Designers
- Hang small bunches upside down in a dark, dry, airy spot.
- Press flat-faced flowers like pansies and daisies, not thick roses.
- Swap pressing paper after a few days to prevent browning.
- Pick blooms just before fully open and completely dry.
- Mist air-dried flowers with unscented hairspray to set them.
- Deeply colored flowers hold their color best when dried.
Want the complete guide?
Download our free planning guides — checklists, budget planners, and seasonal charts prepared by our design team.
Browse Free GuidesPrefer to order flowers now? Shop the Bentley Florist collection — same-day delivery across Burton and Flint.
Keep Exploring