Drying Flowers with Poppy

Enjoy summer flowers all year round by drying them! Here’s a relaxing, fuss free tutorial from Poppy (@poppysfarmyard) to get you started.

Timing

Summer is the perfect time to dry most* flowers as it is warm and dry which helps prevent mould growth. Avoid picking flowers in the heat of the day when they may be wilted. If you’re drying roses, pick them when the petals are still nicely furled. *Hydrangeas are easier to dry when their petals have thickened, usually in autumn.

Flower recommendations

My favourites are Lavender, Strawflowers, Nigella (seed pods), Statice, Gypsophila, Scabiosa Starball, Roses, Hydrangeas, Artichokes, Eryngium and Achillea.

5 simple STEPS

1. Cut long, strong flower stems using sharp snips/secateurs. I like to place stems in a jar of water as I collect them.
2. Strip/cut off foliage from the flower stems, this allows for better airflow later on and a cleaner process overall.
3. Tie small bunches of your flowers together with string or twine. Use a long piece of twine so you have enough length to hang them up.
4. Hang flowers upside down in a dark, dry place. Sheds and cylinder cupboards often make great drying spaces- I hang mine in the garage which is also nice and airy. Consider fire safety, don’t put them close to hot lightbulbs or heat sources etc.
5. Leave your flowers to dry for 2-4 weeks, then do with them as you please!

Dried flowers are such a fun decorating piece. I love to display them throughout my cottage in the form of garlands, big bunches, and in pretty bottles. They’re sentimental to me as I’ve never spent a day in my family home without dried hydrangeas present… Mum’s always had good taste!