To press flowers, lay them flat between sheets of absorbent paper inside a heavy book (or a flower press), weight it, and leave it undisturbed for two to four weeks. Faster options are a warm iron and a microwave flower press. Flat, thin-petaled flowers such as pansies, violets, daisies and ferns press best; thick or double blooms may mold before they dry. This guide covers each method with the times and cautions extension services give.
Which Flowers to Press
- Best: naturally flat blooms such as violets, daisies and single-petal roses (University of Maryland Extension); pansies, violets, larkspur and ferns (Clemson); pansies, daisies, petunias, ferns and tree leaves (Illinois Extension).
- Avoid: Mississippi State Extension says thin petals and foliage press best and to avoid forms such as roses or mums. University of Florida IFAS says flat or single flowers work best, and double or thick ones may mold before they dry.
- Prep: pick in the morning after the dew has evaporated (Maryland), and remove the stamens so the pollen will not stain (Maryland).
Method 1: Book or Flower Press
- Use plain absorbent paper. Maryland says to avoid paper towels because their textures may print on the petals, and to avoid waxed paper because it retains moisture. Mississippi State says not to use glossy paper.
- Arrange flowers in a single layer with no overlap. Mississippi State warns that overlapping material takes longer to dry and may leave unwanted textures.
- Close the book and weight it with a heavy, flat object (Purdue). Wooden presses with bolts and wing nuts also work (Illinois).
- Leave it alone. Maryland says to let flowers dry for a week before checking, and Mississippi State warns that opening the press earlier can make flowers stick to the paper and tear apart.
- Replace damp tissues after the first week (University of Missouri Extension), then wait for the rest of the time.
| Source | Total pressing time given |
|---|---|
| University of Florida IFAS | foliage within 1 week, flowers 2 weeks |
| University of Maryland Extension | 2 to 3 weeks for complete drying |
| Illinois Extension | leaves 1 week, flowers 2 to 3 weeks |
| Purdue Extension | about 3 weeks |
| UC ANR | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Mississippi State Extension | about 4 weeks |
Method 2: Warm Iron (Fast)
Maryland says to turn off the steam function, set the iron to medium-high heat and iron the flowers in ten-to-fifteen-second intervals for about three minutes, until they are completely dry. Mississippi State says to press on medium heat while constantly moving the iron, and Illinois describes heat pressing with a warm iron and wax paper. Test on one flower first, since heat can scorch thin petals.
Method 3: Microwave Press
Maryland says it is best to microwave one type of flower or leaf at a time, starting with 30 to 60 second bursts at half power, and warns to be careful not to burn the plant material or yourself when opening the press. Mississippi State also suggests short bursts at a medium setting, perhaps 30-60 seconds. Maryland notes that you get a finished product in minutes and the colors can be more vibrant than traditional pressing, and that a press can be made from two ceramic tiles.
Storing and Using Pressed Flowers
Mississippi State says to keep pressed flowers out of direct sunlight or other strong light to preserve their colors. Pressed flowers suit cards, bookmarks, framed art and keepsakes, and Illinois Extension notes that pressing is a popular way to preserve flowers from special occasions. For a bridal bouquet, see how to preserve a wedding bouquet. For other drying methods, see how to dry flowers.
Quick Answers
How long does it take to press flowers?
Anywhere from a week for foliage to four weeks for flowers, depending on the source. Two to three weeks is the most common figure.
What can I use instead of a flower press?
A heavy book with absorbent paper, or two ceramic tiles for a microwave press (Maryland Extension).
Can I press thick flowers such as roses?
Thick or double flowers may mold before they dry, per University of Florida IFAS. Silica gel suits them better. See how to dry roses.
Is ironing flowers safe for them?
Maryland says to use medium-high heat with no steam, in short intervals. Testing one flower first is sensible.
How do I keep the color?
Dry quickly, and keep the finished flowers out of strong light (Maryland and Mississippi State).
Sources
- University of Maryland Extension: Flower pressing (Master Gardener bookmark guide)
- Mississippi State University Extension: Pressing flowers (P3513)
- Mississippi State University Extension: Quick bites (2013)
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Drying flowers
- Illinois Extension: Make flowers and memories last forever by drying
- Illinois Extension: Three simple techniques to transform prized flowers (2022)
- University of Florida IFAS: Preserving plant materials (EP004)
- Purdue Extension: Bring in flowers for drying
- UC Agriculture and Natural Resources: Garden notes, preserving flowers
- University of Missouri Extension: Preserving flowers
