How to Dry Flowers in the Microwave

There are many wonderful silk flowers and other artificial flowers on the market today, but many people still prefer to dry and preserve real flowers to make arrangements. There are many methods of doing this, but one easy way is to use a microwave oven. Here is how to dry flowers in the microwave.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose brightly colored flowers that are not quite fully opened. Roses, violets, lilies, dahlias and zinnias work very well. Foliage also dries well in the microwave.

2. Fill a microwave-safe container partially full with silica gel. Place the flower and foliage in the gel with stem down and carefully cover the entire flower and foliage with more silica gel.

3. Place the container of flowers in the microwave and place 1 cup of water in the rear left corner of the microwave.

4. Put a non-metal microwave thermometer into the gel and turn it so you can read it from the outside of the oven.

5. Turn the oven on the high setting and when the thermometer reaches 160 degrees F it is done. Leave the container untouched in the microwave until it has cooled.

6. Let the flower stand in the silica gel until the silica gel is cool. Do not remove any flower for at least 4 to 6 hours.

7. Spray the flowers with a non-scented hair spray to keep them dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Approximate times for microwaving the flowers are: carnation 2 1/2 to 3 minutes; rose 1 1/2 minutes; zinnia 2 to 2 1/2 minutes; daffodil 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
• If a flower is removed from the silica gel too soon it will be warm and limp and won't be able to hold its form.