how can we dry flowers at home to preserve them?
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4

1
Pick your flowers. Most flowers air-dry best when they are just beginning to open. They will continue to open slightly as they dry, and a fully open flower may lose its petals.[1] This method works best for small, sturdy blossoms, such as lavender or larkspur.[2]Wilting and pest damage becomes more obvious after drying. Choose only the best flowers, and pick extra in case of problems.[3]
2
Prepare the flowers in bunches. Strip each flower stem of all leaves. Separate the flowers by species, then make bunches with up to 10 flowers of a single type. Large flowers such as hydrangeas, roses, and peonies should be dried individually instead.[4][5]Strawflower and some other species have weak stems that break apart when dried. Cut the stem off instead and thread florist's wire through the base of the flower.[6]
3
Tie the end of each bunch with a rubber band. Wrap a large rubber band around two or three stems, wrap it several times around the whole bunch, then finish by wrapping it around another two or three stems.[7] The stems will shrink as they dry, but the rubber band will stay tight around them.The rubber band shouldn't press so hard that it creases the stem; this can cause damp pockets and lead to rot. If you're concerned about this, tie the bunch with twine or raffia instead. You may need to re-tie the twine halfway through drying.
4
Hang the bunches upside-down. Keep them in a warm, dark, dry location to prevent rot and minimize fading.[8] Air circulation helps the flowers dry and prevents mold, so keep the bunches spaced out in an area with a good cross-breeze, at least 6 inches (15cm) below the ceiling.[9]You can hang the flowers from hooks, nails, or coat hangers. One easy way to do it is a paper clip bent into an S-shape. Poke one end underneath the rubber band, and the other end over the hook.[10]

5
Wait for 2–4 weeks. The flower is ready when the petals are crisp to the touch. Occasionally a bunch will take longer than four weeks, usually because the room isn't ideal or the flower petals are unusually thick.The stems usually dry completely straight. If you want a more natural, curved look, submerge the stems in warm water until soft. Bend them however you like, and hold them in position with weights until they dry again.[11]
6
Preserve them with hairspray (optional). A light mist of aerosol hairspray or floral sealer will set the flowers' shape. This will make them less susceptible to breaking or dropping petals.
1
Pick your flowers. Most flowers air-dry best when they are just beginning to open. They will continue to open slightly as they dry, and a fully open flower may lose its petals.[1] This method works best for small, sturdy blossoms, such as lavender or larkspur.[2]Wilting and pest damage becomes more obvious after drying. Choose only the best flowers, and pick extra in case of problems.[3]
2
Prepare the flowers in bunches. Strip each flower stem of all leaves. Separate the flowers by species, then make bunches with up to 10 flowers of a single type. Large flowers such as hydrangeas, roses, and peonies should be dried individually instead.[4][5]Strawflower and some other species have weak stems that break apart when dried. Cut the stem off instead and thread florist's wire through the base of the flower.[6]
3
Tie the end of each bunch with a rubber band. Wrap a large rubber band around two or three stems, wrap it several times around the whole bunch, then finish by wrapping it around another two or three stems.[7] The stems will shrink as they dry, but the rubber band will stay tight around them.The rubber band shouldn't press so hard that it creases the stem; this can cause damp pockets and lead to rot. If you're concerned about this, tie the bunch with twine or raffia instead. You may need to re-tie the twine halfway through drying.
4
Hang the bunches upside-down. Keep them in a warm, dark, dry location to prevent rot and minimize fading.[8] Air circulation helps the flowers dry and prevents mold, so keep the bunches spaced out in an area with a good cross-breeze, at least 6 inches (15cm) below the ceiling.[9]You can hang the flowers from hooks, nails, or coat hangers. One easy way to do it is a paper clip bent into an S-shape. Poke one end underneath the rubber band, and the other end over the hook.[10]

5
Wait for 2–4 weeks. The flower is ready when the petals are crisp to the touch. Occasionally a bunch will take longer than four weeks, usually because the room isn't ideal or the flower petals are unusually thick.The stems usually dry completely straight. If you want a more natural, curved look, submerge the stems in warm water until soft. Bend them however you like, and hold them in position with weights until they dry again.[11]
6
Preserve them with hairspray (optional). A light mist of aerosol hairspray or floral sealer will set the flowers' shape. This will make them less susceptible to breaking or dropping petals.
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