Pressing Zinnias? Read this first

I had my first encounter with the beautiful full headed zinnias in my first year with gorgeous bouquet made from a small farm in North Carolina. There I scoured the internet looking for resources or guidance on best practices, reached out to fellow flower preservers online, but one thing I found; there was no clear answer on what to do. I was told to press the whole head with lots of newspaper, press the whole head and change the paper, remove the back and a few layers and press the remaining, take it apart petal by petal and press, etc.

From my trail and error, I can confidently say, PRESS ZINNIAS PETAL BY PETAL.

It may seem tedious and you may just say why can’t I just change the paper daily. My experience, it’s more dangerous to mess with the flowers daily and there’s still not a for sure that mold wont appear out of nowhere.

Petal by petal is the way to go.

And the end result….well, I’d have to say it was well worth it.

Pressing and Preserving Roses

Pressing roses: What I’ve learned along the way

My first attempt at preserving roses was a huge science experiment. The kitchen was dedicated to flowers for 3 days; cookie sheets filled with flowers, Pyrex dishes coming in and out of the microwave, tubs with silica gel, flowers hanging from the cabinet handles to dry. I spent hours watching YouTube videos, reading articles, scouring Reddit, anything that might give me some guidance and seemed plausible I tried.

Over the past year, I’ve gotten to understand the process more and have developed what I know and I want to share it here as maybe it will help another person scouring the internet before the flowers start wilting.

Flowers are natural, so understand they will change while drying.

Colors will change. White’s will not stay stark white, in a natural drying process without color enhancements. They may fade a little more off-white and sometimes they yellow. This is natural and normal. Reds will turn a deeper red, maybe purple. Blue’s may fade into a light purple. The color I found the hold it’s vibrancy the best is yellow.

Greenery is likely to brown in some cases, at least slightly over time if not right away. This can be remedied if you want some color added to enhance it, but please be careful with this. I played for a little bit and found that alcohol based markers were the best solution for me.

I tried many ways to dry the flowers: microwave, oven, books, wooden flower presses, silica gel, even an iron and air-fryer (I don’t recommend the last 2).

After many times, I decided my way to dry I prefer is wooden flower presses (you can buy online or make them yourself as I did), and the microwave.

Once you decided what’s going to help you dry the flowers, now you have to know what to do with that beautiful rose in your hand you need to get drying.

There’s 2 main ways to dry them for preservation and it depends on your preference: Petal by petal or the whole flower. Petal by petal is going to give you a flatter, more cohesive look to the rose. While pressing the entire rose may have some ridges as the water is drawn from the petals over time.

I’ll do a quick overview of the process for each:

Petal-by-Petal Drying:

1. Gently Detach the Petals: Carefully remove the petals from the rose, ensuring not to bruise or damage them.

2. Arrange the Petals: Place the petals on a flat surface, ensuring they do not overlap. A parchment paper-lined tray can be a good choice to avoid sticking.

3. Pressing Method: If you're using a flower press, place the petals between parchment paper and tighten the press. Check periodically to ensure they're drying evenly.

4. Microwave Method: Alternatively, you can use the microwave. Place the petals between two microwave-safe paper towels and use a microwave-safe dish to press them down. Use short bursts of low power, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

5. Storage: Once dried, store the petals in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading.

Whole Flower Drying:

1. Choose the Right Flowers: Not all roses dry equally well. Select those at the peak of their bloom without blemishes or wilting.

2. Preparation: Trim the stem to your desired length, remove any unwanted leaves, and ensure the flower is clean and dry.

3. Microwave Drying: Place the whole flower in a microwave-safe container, cover it with a cup of silica gel to absorb moisture, and microwave using short bursts at low power. Check and gently stir the silica gel between sessions.

4. Pressing: If you prefer pressing, you might need a larger, more robust press for the whole flower. The process is similar, but make sure the flower isn't too thick; otherwise, it might mold instead of drying.

5. Hanging: Another method is to tie the stems and hang the flowers upside down in a warm, dry, dark place for several weeks until completely dry.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, drying flowers is as much an art as it is a science. Patience is key, and don't be discouraged if your first few attempts don't turn out perfect. Each flower is unique, and you'll learn more with every rose you preserve.

Consider showcasing your dried roses in shadow boxes, using them in crafts, or simply displaying them in a beautiful vase. They can make wonderful, personal gifts or decorations for your home.

If you have any questions or your own tips to share, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy flower drying!