How to Preserve Spring Flowers with Microwave Drying

A simple and fast method in which to dry and preserve your spring flowers is to Microwave dry them. This method is best on bright, colorful, not too bulky, spring blooms that are fresh, dry and neither withered or wilted.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microwave
• fresh spring flower (s)
• Microwave-safe glass dish w /lid
• Silica Gel
• 1 cup water in microwave safe cup or bowl (needs to fit behind your other dish when cooking/drying)

1. DRYING SPRING FLOWERS IN THE MICROWAVE:
   
   To start trim your flower stems to around 1 inch in length or even a bit under if you prefer.

2. Take your microwave-safe container and layer about 1 to 1 1/2" of silica gel along the bottom--more is ok if needed. (Silica is a drying agent that will help remove the moisture from the flower)

3. Then place your spring flowers into the gel, stems down with blossom facing up, not down towards the bottom of the dish. Pay special attention to this as having the bloom pointed downward can really hinder your final product.

4. Next pour more silica gel over the flower petals (careful not to add so much that you cause the flower to press out and become flattened) --you can try other means for covering the blossom in the silica such as drizzling it, if you are concerned about pouring on too much.
   
   Just be sure to cover it completely and get it in between those petals otherwise you will not end up with the desired result or colors.

5. Place your dish in the microwave-oven and set 1 cup of water behind your dish. Heat for 1 1/2 to 3 minutes on Medium setting(Heat and timing can vary based on flower type - Play around to see which times work best to thoroughly dry out your spring flowers of choice).
   
   I like to check on mine about every 30-45 seconds to prevent from over drying. Spring daffodils often take me around 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.

6. When your spring flowers are done microwaving you can remove the container and allow it to set undisturbed an additional 6 to 24 hours to ensure proper drying and to prevent limp lackluster results, before removing.
   
   If you run into any trouble using this method after it is removed from the microwave you can try immediately placing a lid on the container and just slighting opening one corner of it and let sit overnight to see if your results turn out better.

7. Pour out the gel and remove your flowers carefully.
   
   You have now preserved your spring blooms. Do your best to refrain from touching the petals with your fingers as the oils in your skin can cause dark blemishes on the flower petals.
   
   Use a not too stiff makeup brush to clean up your flower petals and you are ready to enjoy your final product.

Tips & Warnings

• Work worth just a few flowers at a time and only do flowers of similar size shape and structure at any one time.
• If you would like you can spray lightly with an acrylic spray or hairspray.
• Do not allow your flowers to rest on each other.
• Be sure to completely cover the entire flower.
• You will not want to reuse your container for food purposes after you use it for this.

Resources

• eHow Spring Guide

[newmama]

on 4/30/2009 What a great idea. Where can you get Silica gel? This would be an easy way to preserve your wedding bouquet as well..no need to pay someone else to do it! Thanks for the great article.

[silverymoonart]

on 4/24/2009 I never knew you could preserve flowers using the microwave! Thanks for the article. :-)

[soanyway]

on 4/17/2009 I love this article. There were these beautiful fall leaves with bright colors I would have loved to preserve. Thanks! I'm going to BenFranklins right now and get some silica! I have recomn'd you. Pay it forward! ;-)

[sherbert]

on 4/7/2009 Neat idea! I never knew you could preserve your spring flowers with microwave drying! 5*

[veryirie]

on 4/2/2009 Quick and easy tips with great step by step instructions to preserve your Spring flowers in the microwave. Thanks and well done!