How to Dry Lily Buds

Dried lily buds have a faint, delicate scent.

Lilies are a family of flowers that include more than 100 types. Popular types of lilies include the tiger lily, rubrum lily, and the Easter lily. Drying lilies just beginning to open creates fragrant, delicate buds that can be used in potpourri, crafting or home decor. Tiger lily buds can even be ground and used as a spice in Chinese cooking. Select healthy, undamaged flowers for the best-looking results.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Rubber band
• Twine
• Coat hanger

Instructions

1. Snip the leaves off the stems for all the lily buds. Gather the bud stems into small groups of two or three.

2. Bind together each small group of lily buds, using a rubber band. Slip the rubber band halfway up the stems. Make the band tighter, if necessary, by looping it around again.

3. Snip off 4-inch sections of twine, one for each flower bundle. Wrap the twine around the bottom of the stems, about 2-inches from the end. Tie a knot in the twine at the stems, leaving the overhanging pieces of twine about equal in length.

4. Use the overhanging twine to tie each bundle to the bottom of a coat hanger. Note that the stems should all be hanging upside down. Knot the twine well to keep it secure.

5. Place the hanger in a warm, dry place such as a pantry or attic. Allow the buds to dry for one to two weeks. Use as desired.

References

• The Flower Expert: Lilies
• NDSU: Methods of Preserving Flowers