How To Dry Flowers & Leaves

Overview

Drying a flower is a process of retaining a flower's color and a portion of the fragrance for year-round display. Drying preserves the flower for much longer than placing it into a vase and keeping it temporarily alive with water and sugar. Drying flowers does not require any specialized equipment and is inexpensive--anyone with a flower garden and a dry, dark place to hang their flowers can do it.

Step 1

Cut flowers from the garden when they are still partially closed, recommends the University of Missouri Extension. Drying flowers continue to open as they dry.

Step 2

Remove any foliage from the stems of the flowers.

Step 3

Tie the flowers in a loose bundle, says the Maryland Cooperative Extension, and wrap with a rubber band.

Step 4

Hand the flowers upside-down using the string in a dry room where the flowers are not exposed to direct sunlight, such as an attic, closet or furnace room. Leave the flowers to dry for 2 to 3 weeks until they are thoroughly dried.