How to Preserve Dahlia Flowers For Long Lasting Beauty

Dahlias are one of the most stunning flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. Their vibrant colors and gorgeous forms make them a favorite for gardens and flower arrangements. However, their beauty is fleeting and the blooms only last about a week once cut from the plant. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to preserve dahlia flowers so you can continue enjoying their beauty for months after the growing season ends.

When to Pick Dahlias for Preserving

• Harvest dahlias when the blooms are fully open and at peak vibrancy. Choose flowers that are free of blemishes or damage

• Avoid blooms that are only partly open or beginning to fade; they won’t last long.

• Pick the flowers early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when they are coolest and have the most water.

How to Dry Dahlias

There are a few techniques for drying dahlias to preserve them:

Air Drying

This is the easiest and most common drying method:

• Cut stems leaving plenty of length and remove foliage.

• Bundle 3-5 stems together and secure at base with rubber band.

• Hang bundles upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area.

• Allow 2-3 weeks for stems to fully dry. Check periodically for mold.

• Can also dry upright in vases or florist foam. Turn vases periodically.

Silica Gel Drying

This desiccant method dries flowers quickly while better preserving colors:

• Place individual blooms face down in a shallow, airtight container.

• Cover with silica gel about 2 inches deep.

• Flowers dry in 1-2 weeks.

• Recharge silica beads by baking to remove absorbed moisture.

Pressing

Pressing dahlias flattens them nicely for crafts:

• Place flower between two blotting papers. Top with rigid pressing board.

• Put heavy books or weights on top and allow 3-6 weeks to flatten.

• Change blotting papers periodically as they absorb moisture.

• Works best for single dahlia heads rather than whole stems.

Tips for Successfully Drying Dahlias

Follow these expert tips for best results when drying your flowers:

• Dry similar colored blooms together, as drying time varies by hue. Dark dahlias may take longer.

• Use sharp pruners for harvesting. Crushing stems inhibits water flow during drying.

• Cut stems longer then trim after drying to prevent splitting.

• Dry in low humidity – ideally less than 50%. High humidity slows drying and risks mold.

• Hang bundles loosely so air circulates freely. Crowding causes distortion.

• Inspect regularly and discard any rotting or moldy flowers to prevent spreading.

Storing Your Dried Dahlias

Proper storage is vital for preserving dried dahlias for seasons to come:

• Allow flowers to dry completely – test stems are rigid and bloom feels lightweight.

• Store spaced out between sheets of tissue or parchment paper in a cool, dark place.

• Prevent crushing by not stacking too many blooms or heavy objects.

• Use sealable plastic bags or airtight containers. Silica gel packets help absorb moisture.

• Check for pests like insects which can still damage dried flowers over time.

• Avoid high humidity, temperature extremes, and direct light which shorten lifespan.

• Expect some fading, especially of darker colors. Most retain a muted version of their original hue.

Displaying Your Preserved Dahlias

Here are some creative ways to highlight your dried dahlias at home:

• Create unique autumn wreaths by wiring blooms to grape vine bases.

• Arrange preserved stems in vintage vases or glass jars for seasonal centerpieces.

• Adorn candle centerpieces by gluing individual petals around pillars or hurricanes.

• Make mini bouquets by bundling dried stems with raffia, ribbon, or fall foliage.

• Craft beautiful flower crowns and garlands with your preserved blooms.

• Decorate place cards, mirrors, and framed photos by affixing dahlia petals.

With proper harvesting, drying technique, and storage, you can keep your precious dahlia blooms looking gorgeous for 1-3 years after picking. Follow these preservation tips and you’ll be able to create spectacular displays using your homegrown flowers long after your plants become dormant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you dry and preserve dahlia flowers?

Remove all the leaves from the dahlia stem. Often the small side buds are removed too. Air-drying is commonly done by hanging flowers upside-down individually or in bunches in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area. For dahlias, hanging separately prevents crushing.

What’s the best way to preserve fresh cut dahlias?

Dahlias from a florist or market should be put in water immediately. To maximize their short vase life of 3-4 days, use warm or hot tap water. This works better than cold.

Are dahlias good flowers for drying?

Dahlias dry beautifully and make excellent dried flowers. Their large, multi-layered blooms hold their shape well when air-dried correctly. Drying preserves their beauty so they can be enjoyed long after the growing season ends.

How long does it take to dry dahlias in silica gel?

When buried in silica gel in an airtight container, dahlia flowers are fully dried in 2-7 days. Check periodically until the bloom feels lightweight and crisp. Pour off the gel gently to remove dried flowers.

Drying dahlia blooms is a simple way to enjoy their beauty far beyond their short lifespan when fresh cut. With the proper harvesting, drying, and storage techniques, you can keep your gorgeous dahlia flowers looking fabulous for crafts and displays all year long.