Dahlias, with their incredible range of sizes, shapes, and vibrant colors, are celebrated flowers in late summer gardens. Their complex, multi-layered blooms, ranging from delicate pompons to massive dinner plates, make them an instant focal point. Preserving these spectacular flowers allows their beauty to be used year-round in various crafts, floral art, and decorative displays.
Preparing Dahlias for Preservation
Successful flower preservation begins with proper timing. The dahlia should be harvested when the bloom is fully open but before the petals show signs of browning or dropping naturally. Use a sharp, clean tool to cut the stem long, allowing flexibility during drying and final arrangement stages.
Immediately after cutting, remove all foliage from the stem, as leaves contain high moisture. This moisture slows drying and can encourage mold growth. Allowing the flower to sit in water for a few hours ensures peak hydration, helping petals retain structure as they dry. Before proceeding, gently pat the exterior of the flower and stem dry to remove surface moisture.
The Simple Method: Air Drying
Air drying is the most accessible method for preserving dahlias, relying on natural evaporation to remove internal moisture. This technique is best suited for smaller varieties, such as pompon or ball types, which have less mass and water content. The resulting dried flower will have a somewhat flattened appearance and a slightly muted color palette.
To begin, gather the prepared dahlia stems into small bundles of three to five, or hang them individually for better air circulation. Secure the stems near the cut end using string or a rubber band, which contracts as the stems shrink during dehydration. Hang the flowers upside down in a dark, dry, warm, and well-ventilated location, such as an attic or closet.
Hanging the blooms upside down encourages the stems to dry straight and prevents the flower heads from drooping. The absence of direct light prevents the colors from bleaching and fading. Depending on the dahlia’s size and environmental conditions, the complete process can take two to four weeks. The dahlia is fully dried when the petals feel paper-thin and exhibit a crisp texture when touched.
Using Silica Gel to Maintain Structure
To preserve the dahlia’s intricate three-dimensional structure and vibrant color, using a desiccant like silica gel is the superior choice. Silica gel is a granular medium that rapidly absorbs moisture, pulling water from the flower without significantly altering the petal shape. This method is effective for large, high-moisture varieties like dinner plate dahlias, which would collapse if air-dried.
To begin the process, select an airtight container large enough to accommodate the dahlia head without crushing the petals. Pour a layer of silica gel, approximately one inch deep, into the bottom of the container. Carefully place the dahlia bloom face-up on this base layer, trimming the stem down to about an inch to allow the head to sit properly.
The goal is to fully support the flower’s shape by gently spooning the gel between the individual petals. Slowly pour the silica gel around the base and over the top, ensuring every petal is completely covered and supported to prevent distortion. Once the bloom is fully buried, seal the container tightly to prevent the desiccant from absorbing ambient moisture.
The drying time ranges from three to seven days, depending on the bloom’s density and size. The dried flower can then be carefully excavated from the container, allowing the gel to fall away naturally. Any remaining silica crystals should be gently brushed off using a small, soft-bristled brush. If the original stem is too brittle for arranging, floral wire can be inserted into the base of the dried flower head as a sturdy replacement.