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A desiccant is a substance which
absorbs moisture. It speeds the
drying process, especially when
used in a dehydrator, preserving
the vibrant colors and delicate
structure of the flower. The longer
the drying process, the more
colors will fade. Using a desiccant
in your dehydrator will allow
flowers to dry in a day instead of a
week or two. There are several
brands of flower desiccants
available from craft stores. They
may seem a little expensive, but
can be reused indefinitely. Silica
gel is the generic name and
absorbs up to 50 percent of its
own weight in moisture. Yellows
and blues maintain their color
better than reds or whites.
For flowers with petals, leaves,
ferns, fungi and some varieties of
mosses, the best way to preserve
them is to use a desiccant powder.
Using Desiccant
Drying Flowers
Preserve garden and natural
favorites for attractive dried flower
arrangements, Christmas and
holiday decorations, party favors,
place cards and corsages. Help
your children dry specimens for
their science class. Many lovely
flowers, foliage, flowering grasses,
seedheads, cones and non-
flowering plants may be dried
simply by placing on drying trays.
This is wonderful for anyone too
busy to experiment with other
techniques, and also for the
beginner who has not attempted
preserving flowers before.
Interesting arrangements can be
made with these dried materials.
Materials suitable for drying by
this method are bracts, cultivated
and wild grasses, seedheads,
foliage and everlasting flowers.
Instructions:
Remove stems from flowers and insert
a short 20-gauge stub wire.
Place ½” desiccant in bottom of
containers that are no higher than 3 ¼”.
Place flat-faced flowers face down, with
petals resting on desiccant.
Rounded double flowers such as roses
and daodils should be dried with
heads upwards.
Gently sprinkle desiccant between the
flowers and into every petal and crevice ,
with about ½ desiccant covering top.
To test for dryness, gently scrape back the
desiccant and remove one flower. Hold the
flower to your ear and give it a gentle tap.
If dry, it will sound crisp and papery.
Store in airtight tins until ready to use. In
humid climates, protect loose-petal
flowers with finishing spray.
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Place containers on tray. Place lid
on top of dehydrator and dry at
130°F to 145°F(55-63°C).
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