Lilies are a popular choice for preservation, but their high moisture content and delicate petals present a unique challenge. If not dried quickly and correctly, lilies are highly susceptible to browning, wilting, or developing mold. Retaining the lily’s vibrant color and graceful form requires careful timing, specific preparation, and appropriate drying methods.
Preparing Lilies for Preservation
Success begins with the proper harvest and preparation of the flower. Lilies should be cut when the flower is fully open but has not yet passed its peak bloom or started to wilt. Harvesting in the early morning is best, as the plant is fully hydrated from the cool overnight temperatures, ensuring the petals are firm and turgid.
Before preservation, remove all foliage and leaves from the stem. Leaves contain high moisture, which slows the drying process and creates areas where mold can develop. For flowers intended for air drying, cutting a small slit up the center of the stem base can also help moisture escape more quickly.
Simple Air Drying Techniques
Air drying is the most traditional and accessible method for preserving lilies, requiring minimal materials. This technique is best suited for preserving the whole stem, although the resulting blooms will often be flatter and less vibrant in color compared to other methods.
Gather the lilies into small bundles of three to five stems, securing them loosely with string or a rubber band near the bottom. The bundles must be hung upside down to ensure the stems dry straight and the flower heads remain upright.
The ideal location for air drying is a warm, dark, and dry space with good air circulation, such as an attic or a closet. Darkness is necessary to prevent the flower’s pigments from fading due to light exposure, helping to retain natural color. The process typically requires two to three weeks until the flowers feel entirely stiff and dry.
Preserving Shape Using Desiccants
For preserving the lily’s three-dimensional shape and intense color, using a desiccant is the superior method. Silica gel is the most effective medium, as this fine, granular material quickly draws moisture out of the petals while physically supporting the flower’s structure.
The process begins by pouring a layer of silica gel, about one inch deep, into a sealable, airtight container. The lily bloom, with its stem trimmed very short, is carefully placed on this base layer, ensuring the petals are positioned exactly as they should look when dried.
Next, silica gel is slowly poured over and around the flower, making sure the granules settle into every space between the petals. The gel must support the inside and outside of the flower to prevent the petals from collapsing inward. Once completely covered, the container is sealed and left undisturbed for a period ranging from a few days up to three weeks, depending on the lily’s size and moisture content.
Post-Drying Care and Storage
After the drying period is complete, the desiccated lilies must be handled with extreme care, as they become fragile and brittle. Gently remove the dried bloom from the silica gel, using a soft brush or a light puff of air to remove any remaining fine particles.
Once clean, the flowers can be sprayed with a light coating of a floral sealant spray or unscented hairspray. This coating acts as a protective layer, helping to reduce the shedding of dried particles and increasing the overall durability of the delicate petals.
For long-term preservation, dried lilies should be stored away from direct sunlight, which causes colors to fade, and away from any source of humidity. Storing them in a sealed container with a thin layer of fresh silica gel on the bottom can help absorb ambient moisture, ensuring the flowers stay completely dry.