How to Stem-Dye Flowers
White or pale-colored flowers can be dyed to match holiday decor or the color theme of a party with simple liquid food coloring. However, using colored flowers could produce a different color from what you intended; for example, a yellow flower dyed with blue dye may produce a green flower. Only use food-safe dyes, as chemical dyes or fabric dyes may kill your flowers during the coloring process. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Pour one cup of warm water into a clean vase. If you are dyeing a large number of flowers, use several vases to avoid crowding the flowers, which could interfere with the coloring process.
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Add an entire .25 oz bottle of food coloring to the water in the vase. If you are mixing colors, use approximately 1/2 tbsp. of dye total.
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3
Hold each flower stem under warm running water and cut off the bottom inch of the stem at an angle with a pair of scissors. This will improve water absorption and extend the life of the flower, according to the University of Illinois Extension.
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Place the flowers in the vase and ensure that the cut stem of the flower is completely immersed in the colored water. You can place several flowers in one vase but leave a little room between each stem and do not pack the flowers tightly into the vase.
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Place the vase out of direct sunlight in a room with a moderate to cool temperature for approximately 24 to 48 hours. During this time, the flowers should begin to change color as the dyed water is absorbed.
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Monitor the flowers and add water as necessary to keep the cut ends of the stems submerged in water.
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Tips & Warnings
Add floral preservative to the water in the vase to extend the life of your flowers. You can purchase small packets of this preservative from a florist or it may be included with your fresh flowers.
References
- Photo Credit white flower image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com
