How To Air Dry Flowers (For Preservation)

Air drying is the simplest method of preserving flowers and plant material. There is no need to use desiccants or chemicals, and the process is very easy. I’ll show you some of the easiest ways to dry flowers at home so you can make your own bouquets, centerpieces and decor.

Where to air dry your flowers

It is important to choose the right environment for air drying your flowers. A warm, clean, dry and well-ventilated area is best. Many large-scale commercial flower growers dry their plants in barns. The home grower may not have access to a space like this, so an attic, closet, or unused space in the home will work just fine.

When to harvest flowers for drying

Just as important as finding the right space is harvesting your flowers at the right time. Be sure the flowers are as dry as possible when harvesting. Avoid harvesting right after a rainfall, or in the early morning when dew may still be present. A dry, sunny afternoon is best.

The best time to harvest flowers for drying is when the flowers have developed and bloomed, but are still very young and fresh. The perfect time to harvest will also vary based on the variety of flower you are growing. The flowers should always be dried immediately after harvesting to ensure they retain their color and shape.

Air drying by hanging

Hanging flowers to air dry is my preferred method, as I find it is the easiest. The process is very simple and you can dry multiple stems at a time, making it a good option if you are short on space.

Step 1: Remove the foliage and leaves on the lower half of the stem before drying.

Step 2: Bunch flowers of the same variety in groups of 10 stems. The stems should all be the same length and the bunches should not be packed too tightly. There should be adequate air circulation around each flower head to ensure the shape will hold.

Step 3: Secure the ends of the stems together with a rubber band or string. I like to use a rubber band as it is the easiest method and if the stems shrink, the rubber band will adapt easily to the new size.

Step 4: Hang the stems upside down in your chosen environment at a high enough level where they will not be disturbed. Our cat is always interested in our dried flowers – so be sure they are out of reach from pets.

Step 5: Allow to dry completely in a moisture-free environment. Drying time will vary depending on the type of flower, as well as the temperature and humidity of the environment. You know the flowers are dried when the thickest part of the stem can snap. Additionally, the largest part of the flowerhead will be completely dry.

Air drying flowerheads flat

With some flowerheads, like chamomile or calendula, it is more common to only dry the flower heads as opposed to the full stem. These flowers dry best on a flat surface with adequate ventilation.

Step 1: Harvest your flowers at the appropriate time (at peak bloom) and remove the flower heads from the stem.

Step 2: Arrange them in a single layer on a well-ventilated surface. I use these mesh trays from Bootstrap Farmer.

Step 3: Allow the flower heads to dry in a well-ventilated and dry space. This can take several weeks, depending on the environment and size of the blooms.

Tip: You can also use a dehydrator for drying flowerheads. Learn all about that process in this guide to harvesting chamomile.

Air drying flowers in water

Some varieties of flowers wilt a considerable amount before the drying process is complete. For example, hydrangeas will not tolerate being dried upside down. Instead, they must be dried with their stem ends in water.

Step 1: Cut the bottom of the stem at an angle and place in a container with a few inches of water at the bottom.

Step 2: Allow the blooms to dry completely in their natural upright position.

Best flower varieties for air drying

Not all flowers can be harvested, hung and dried. Luckily, there are so many varieties of flowers that hold their shape and color very well when dried. Here are a few favorites and some great options for flowers you can air dry.