Growing Flowers For Drying

1. Helichrysum bracteatum (Strawflower)
   These are a must-have for drying—papery petals in rich colours that hold their shape and vibrancy beautifully.

2. Limonium sinuatum (Statice)
   A drying classic, statice adds structure and a pop of colour to any arrangement, fresh or dried.

3. Xeranthemum annuum (Immortelle)
   A charming bloom that keeps its dainty form and soft pastel hues long after drying.

4. Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-Mist)
   A cottage garden favourite, and those seed pods are just as beautiful as the flowers when dried.

5. Amaranthus caudatus (Love-Lies-Bleeding)
   For a bold, textural cascade in bouquets—stunning both fresh and preserved.

My Top Harvesting & Drying Tips

Timing and technique are everything to get the best results from your dried flowers. Here’s a quick guide:

When to Pick:
Choose a sunny, dry day and harvest your flowers later in the day once any dew has evaporated. Unlike fresh-cut flowers, you want them completely dry when picked to avoid moisture getting trapped and causing mould.

How to Dry:
A simple air-drying method works beautifully. Tie small bunches of stems together (removing excess foliage) using natural jute twine or elastic bands, and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight. A studio, spare room, or cupboard with good airflow is ideal—avoid sheds or outbuildings unless your climate is reliably warm and dry.

If ceiling hooks aren’t an option, try stringing a rustic branch across the space like I have in the shop. Just be sure to leave space between them for air to circulate.

Drying Time:
Depending on the flower type and your drying environment, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. You’ll know they’re ready when the stems are stiff, and the petals feel papery.

Alternative Drying Techniques

For some flowers, you might want to try one of these alternative methods:

• Vase Drying: Place stems in a vase with a small amount of water and allow them to dry slowly as the water evaporates. This is ideal for flowers like hydrangeas or gypsophila, where shape and openness are key.

• Chicken Wire Support: Thread stems through a piece of chicken wire to keep large flower heads upright while they dry. This method is perfect for preserving the shape of blooms like Helichrysum or zinnias.

Want to go deeper?
If you’d love step-by-step guidance on sowing, caring for, and preserving your own cut flower patch, check out our ebook here – packed with knowledge to help you grow your own floral magic!