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How to DryPeony Flowers
PEONY FLOWERS
Few flowers pack as much punch as a peony. Bright and full of personality, peonies sure make an entrance. However, they come with a fairly short season so you may find that you’re missing out on your peony fix. But we’ve got the solution. Drying. Yup, you heard us. Drying peonies means you can enjoy their rich colours for much longer.
Whether you want to use dried ponies to make confetti, or sprinkle them over a boujee bath, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about how to dry peony flowers.
MAKING DRIED PEONIES
Peonies are possibly one of the most photogenic flowers. Don’t believe us? Check out Instagram. And dried peony flowers are no different. They have beautiful ruffly petals and striking layers that simply look dreamy.
But there’s no magic wand needed to dry peonies. Or expensive equipment. In fact, some peonies can dry perfectly fine when simply enjoyed – a bit like a fine wine. Just put your peonies in the vase, in water and wait. Just don’t let the leaves touch the water, as mould can quickly make an appearance.
Not all peonies will dry the same when done this way, some petals may develop a slight brown tinge to them. But don’t worry, there are other ways to make dried peonies. Just pick the one you love.
AIR DRYING PEONY FLOWERS
For those who have bought themselves (or been treated to) a bunch of peonies, drying petals is a great way to make your bouquet last longer. Whether you want to remember a special occasion or just make the most of these striking flowers, drying peony petals is quick and simple.
For air dried peony petals simply take each petal off the flower.
Place them evenly on a mesh surface.
Keep them in a single layer. (If they are touching, they could stick together).
For air dried peony petals simply take each petal off the flower.
Place them evenly on a mesh surface.
Keep them in a single layer. (If they are touching, they could stick together).
Place them in an area where they’ll get plenty of air – but not in direct sunlight.
Rotate them frequently throughout the day so both sides get enough exposure.
When the petals have become crisp, remove them from the sheet.
Place them in an area where they’ll get plenty of air – but not in direct sunlight.
Rotate them frequently throughout the day so both sides get enough exposure.
When the petals have become crisp, remove them from the sheet.
DRYING PEONIES WITH SILICA GEL
Don’t be intimidated by silica gel. You’ve got this. The process is simple and quicker than air drying.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR DESICCANT DRYING:
- Silica gel
- A plastic tub (deep enough to hold the flower length you want to preserve)
- A soft cleaning brush (a make-up brush can work).
Empty silica gel into an air-tight container so there is a little bed to place the flowers on.
Place the flowers into the gel. Short-stemmed flowers standing up works best.
Cover the flowers gently with the silica gel until completely covered.
Empty silica gel into an air-tight container so there is a little bed to place the flowers on.
Place the flowers into the gel. Short-stemmed flowers standing up works best.
Cover the flowers gently with the silica gel until completely covered.
Seal the container and place in a room away from direct sunlight.
Leave the contents to dry for 3-6 days in the container. Depending on the size of your peonies, check the contents with your tooth pick after the first 2 days to check if some flowers have dried.
Carefully remove your flowers once you are satisfied they are dry. With each stem, gently shake out the drying agent or with a paintbrush, gently brush the flower clean.
Seal the container and place in a room away from direct sunlight.
Leave the contents to dry for 3-6 days in the container. Depending on the size of your peonies, check the contents with your tooth pick after the first 2 days to check if some flowers have dried.
Carefully remove your flowers once you are satisfied they are dry. With each stem, gently shake out the drying agent or with a paintbrush, gently brush the flower clean.
AIR FRYING PEONY FLOWERS
Drying flowers doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, with an air fryer, the process becomes quick, simple, and perfect for preserving your favourite blooms for crafts, keepsakes, or home décor. With just a few basic supplies and the right type of flowers, you’ll be able to enjoy beautifully dried petals in no time.
Trim stems and remove excess leaves. Make sure the blooms are dry and clean.
Place parchment paper or a fine mesh rack in the air fryer basket to prevent petals from falling through.
If your air fryer requires preheating, do so at the lowest possible temperature (ideally 100–120°F / 37–49°C).
Trim stems and remove excess leaves. Make sure the blooms are dry and clean.
Place parchment paper or a fine mesh rack in the air fryer basket to prevent petals from falling through.
If your air fryer requires preheating, do so at the lowest possible temperature (ideally 100–120°F / 37–49°C).
Place flowers in a single layer, not overlapping, with enough space for air to circulate.
Set the air fryer to its lowest heat setting. Run for 10–15 minutes, checking regularly. Some flowers may need up to 30 minutes depending on size and moisture.
Let the flowers cool completely, then store them in a dry container or display as desired.
Place flowers in a single layer, not overlapping, with enough space for air to circulate.
Set the air fryer to its lowest heat setting. Run for 10–15 minutes, checking regularly. Some flowers may need up to 30 minutes depending on size and moisture.
Let the flowers cool completely, then store them in a dry container or display as desired.
HOW TO USE DRIED PEONIES
Dried peonies can be used in many ways. If they were once in your bridal bouquet, you can preserve them in resin – there’s so many different shapes and sizes. Imagine making a coaster with the peonies you walked down the aisle with?Or if you don’t want to place them in resin, you can simply frame them. Use a large box frame to fit more in and without the need to press them. You can use dried full-stemmed peonies as wedding centrepieces or even keep them lasting longer on your dining room table. And if you’re needing confetti, this is an eco-friendly solution - simply take the dried petals and cut them to your desired size.
PICKING YOUR PEONIES FROM THE GARDEN
If you’re lucky enough to have peonies in your garden, you’re one step closer to having beautiful, dried peonies. From wedding decorations to table centrepieces, dried flowers can be used fresh from the garden to make an incredible statement. Just make sure you pick them at the right time:
- Weather: Try and cut flowers on a dry day
- Time: Do it in the morning
- Tools: Use a sharp pair of scissors or secateurs to avoid damaging the stems
- Prep: Remove leaves and damaged petals
- Picking: When the petals have emerged, and they feel squishy to touch.