How to Dry Flowers With Silica Gel

Using silica gel to dry flowers is simple and preserves the color and beauty of the flowers by removing the moisture from the flowers. Flowers dried with silica gel can be used for holiday wreaths and other decorations.

Things You'll Need

• Silica gel crystals
• Airtight glass, plastic or metal container
• Flowers
• Small paintbrush
• Scissors or garden clippers

Instructions

1. Cut several flowers for drying. Make sure that the flowers are free of dew, rain and insects. When cutting the flowers, leave only a 1-inch stem.

2. Pour a 1 to 2-inch layer of silica gel crystals into a shallow container or tray.

3. Arrange the flower over the layer of silica gel. Gently cover the flowers completely with more silica gel.

4. Seal the container and leave it for three to four days.

5. Open the container and remove the flowers very carefully. Brush off any remaining crystals with a paintbrush.

6. Use the flowers for wreaths, decorations and arrangements.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase silica gel at craft stores or garden shops.

• Re-use your silica gel. The crystals can be used over and over for drying flowers.

• Keep silica gel out of the reach of children. It can be toxic if eaten in large amounts.