How to Preserve Flowers: 6 Easy Methods

Fresh flowers make for a sentimental gift, symbolising love, friendship, and special memories. However, their beauty is often fleeting. The good news is that there are various ways to preserve fresh flowers, allowing you to keep them longer and cherish those precious moments for years to come.

What are Preserved Flowers?

Preserved flowers are natural blooms that have undergone special treatment to maintain their appearance for an extended period. This process involves removing the moisture from the flowers while retaining their original shape and colour. There are many types of preserved flowers, each with its unique characteristics and lifespan.

So, how long can preserved flowers last? With proper care, preserved flowers can last several months to a few years, making them a wonderful keepsake. You can keep them for memory, use them as room decor, or even repurpose them for scrapbooks and other art projects.

How to Preserve Flowers at Home

Preserving flowers at home is a rewarding and creative process. Here are six popular methods to help you preserve your cherished blooms.

1. Air Drying

Air drying is one of the simplest and most traditional methods to preserve flowers. Once dried, these air-dried flowers can be displayed in vases, used in wreaths, or as part of dried flower arrangements. Here’s how to air :

1. Gather Your Flowers: It is best to select flowers that are only partially bloomed, as they will continue to open slightly during the drying process.
2. Remove Leaves: Strip off any excess leaves from the stems to prevent mould and speed up the drying process.
3. Tie and Hang: Bundle the flowers together and tie them with a string. Hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dry area away from direct sunlight.
4. Wait: Leave the flowers to dry for two to three weeks.

2. Pressing

Pressing flowers is another popular method, perfect for preserving their colour and shape. These flowers are ideal for framing, scrapbooking, or creating personalised cards. Follow these steps to preserve your fresh flowers:

1. Select Your Flowers: Choose flat flowers or remove petals from larger blooms.
2. Prepare Your Materials: You’ll need parchment paper and a heavy book or a flower press.
3. Press: Place the flowers between two sheets of parchment paper and insert them into the book. Close the book and add more weight on top if necessary.
4. Wait: Leave the flowers to press for two to three weeks.

3. Using Silica Gel

Silica gel is an excellent option for preserving flowers while maintaining their three-dimensional shape. Here are the steps for preserving flowers using silica gel:

1. Prepare Your Container: Fill a container with silica gel, leaving some space for the flowers.
2. Place the Flowers: Insert the flowers into the gel, ensuring they are fully covered.
3. Seal and Wait: Seal the container and leave it for one to two weeks.
4. After Drying: Gently remove the flowers from the silica gel. These preserved flowers can be used in bouquets, wreaths, or decorative displays.

4. Microwave Pressing

For a quicker method, try microwave pressing. Microwave-pressed flowers are perfect for quick DIY projects like making bookmarks or greeting cards. This technique combines pressing and drying:

1. Prepare the Flowers: Place the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper and insert them into a microwave-safe dish.
2. Microwave: Microwave the flowers on a low setting for 30 seconds to a minute.
3. Check and Repeat: Check the flowers and repeat the process until they are completely dry.

5. Freeze Drying

Freeze drying is a more advanced preservation method that retains the flowers' natural appearance. This type of preserved flowers can be used in various decorative arrangements, keeping their original look for a long time. While it requires specialised equipment, the results are worth it:

1. Prep the Flowers: Place the flowers in a freeze dryer. 
2. Dry: The freeze dryer will remove moisture from the flowers over several days.

6. Using Resin

Preserving flowers in resin creates stunning, long-lasting keepsakes. These resin-preserved flowers can be made into jewellery, paperweights, or other decorative pieces, depending on how the resin is shaped. Here’s how to use resin to preserve your blooms:

1. Prepare the Flowers: Make sure the flowers are completely dry.
2. Mix the Resin: Follow the resin manufacturer’s instructions to mix the resin.
3. Embed the Flowers: Pour a layer of resin into your mould, place the flowers, and pour another layer to cover them.
4. Cure: Allow the resin to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Make Your Blooms Last a Lifetime

By trying these methods, you can preserve the flowers you’ve been given and keep their beauty and memories alive. The next time you receive a stunning bouquet from Flora Moments, whether it's graduation flowers, birthday flowers or flowers for any other occasion, consider using one of these techniques to make your blooms last a lifetime.