How to Harvest and Dry Flowers for Potpourri, Simmer Pots, and Natural Home Décor

There’s something special about the arrival of spring and summer. The days grow longer, the air feels fresher, and the garden bursts into life. It’s a time of growth, renewal, and creativity. One of my favourite ways to embrace the season is by growing, picking, and drying flowers.

Drying flowers allows us to preserve their beauty long after the season has passed. Whether you want to make homemade potpourri, fragrant simmer pots, or decorative arrangements, learning how to dry flowers properly ensures they stay vibrant and aromatic for months. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about how to harvest and dry Flowers—from choosing the right flowers to creative ways to use them.

How to Grow, Harvest, and Dry Flowers for Potpourri, Simmer Pots, and Natural Home Décor

1. Growing Flowers for Drying

The best dried flowers start with healthy, well-grown blooms. Some flowers hold their colour and shape better than others when dried. Here are some of the best choices:

• Lavender – Retains its scent and colour beautifully

• Roses – Perfect for potpourri and simmer pots

• Chamomile – Great for herbal tea and calming scents

• Hydrangeas – Dry well for rustic arrangements

• Strawflowers – Naturally papery, ideal for bouquets

• Marigolds – Keep their deep orange hues for vibrant décor

• Eucalyptus – Adds a fresh, herbal fragrance

Tips for Growing Flowers for Drying

• Plant in well-drained soil – Flowers prone to mildew won’t dry well

• Choose a sunny location – Sunlight encourages strong, healthy blooms

• Harvest at the right time – Flowers picked at their peak retain the most colour and fragrance

2. When and How to Pick Flowers for Drying

Picking flowers at the right time is key to successful drying. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Harvest flowers in the morning –

  • This is when they’re most hydrated and fresh

• Choose blooms that have just opened –

  • Flowers that are too mature may lose their petals

• Use sharp scissors or pruners –

  • A clean cut prevents damage to the stem

After cutting, remove excess leaves and group flowers into small bunches, ready for drying.

3. Methods for Drying Flowers

There are several methods for drying flowers, depending on the amount of time and effort you are willing to invest.

Air Drying (Best for Bouquets and Arrangements)

1. Gather small bunches of flowers and tie the stems with twine.

2. Hang them upside down in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight.

3. Leave them for two to three weeks until they feel crisp.

Pressing Flowers (Great for Crafts and Art)

1. Place flowers between two sheets of parchment paper inside a heavy book.

2. Close the book and weigh it down with more books.

3. Leave the flowers to dry for two to four weeks.

Using Silica Gel (Best for Preserving Shape and Colour)

1. Pour a layer of silica gel into a container.

2. Place flowers face-up and gently cover them with more gel.

3. Leave for one to two weeks until dry.

Use Silica Gel to Preserve and Dry Flowers

Oven Drying (For a Quick Method)

1. Place flowers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

2. Set the oven to its lowest temperature and leave the door slightly open.

3. Check every 15 minutes until the flowers are completely dry.

4. Creative Uses for Dried Flowers

Once your flowers are dried, there are endless ways to use them.

4.1 Making Homemade Potpourri

Potpourri is a natural way to add fragrance to your home. Mix dried flowers with essential oils, herbs, and spices.

Some great combinations include:

• Lavender, rose petals, and cinnamon sticks for a calming scent

• Orange peel, marigold, and cloves for a warm, citrusy aroma

• Chamomile, rosemary, and mint for a fresh herbal blend

Store in a sealed jar and shake occasionally to keep the scent fresh.

4.2 Simmer Pots for a Fragrant Home

A dried flower simmer pot is a simple way to make your home smell amazing. To make one:

1. Add a handful of dried flowers, herbs, and citrus peels to a saucepan of water.

2. Simmer on low heat, topping up with water as needed.

3. Enjoy the natural fragrance filling your home.

Good combinations include lavender and lemon for relaxation or rose and cinnamon for a warm, floral scent.

4.3 Dried Flower Arrangements

Dried flowers make beautiful, long-lasting bouquets. Arrange them in vases, create rustic wreaths, or make flower crowns. A simple way to keep them looking fresh is to mist them with hairspray to prevent shedding lightly.

4.4 Herbal and Floral Teas

Some dried flowers are perfect for brewing tea. Popular choices include:

• Chamomile – Calming and soothing

• Lavender – Helps with relaxation and sleep

• Rose petals – Delicate floral flavour, rich in antioxidants

Ensure the flowers are pesticide-free before using them for tea.

4.5 Pressed Flower Crafts

Pressed flowers can be used for:

• Framed botanical art – A timeless decoration

• Handmade greeting cards – A personal touch

• Bookmarks – A thoughtful gift idea

Glue dried, pressed flowers onto paper or card and seal with a layer of clear-drying glue or resin.

How to Harvest and Dry Flowers: Conclusion

Drying flowers is an excellent way to extend the beauty of spring and summer well beyond the season. Whether you’re creating homemade potpourri, making floral arrangements, or brewing herbal tea, there’s something deeply satisfying about using nature’s bounty in creative ways.

With a bit of patience and the right techniques, you can enjoy the colours and scents of your favourite blooms all year round. So why not start growing, picking, and drying flowers today?

FAQs

1. How long do dried flowers last?

Dried flowers can last for several months to years if stored properly. Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain their colour and fragrance.

2. Can I dry flowers in the microwave?

Yes, but it’s best for small flowers. Place the flowers between two pieces of absorbent paper and heat in short bursts until they are dry.

3. What flowers should I avoid drying?

Flowers with high water content, such as tulips and lilies, do not dry well and tend to wilt.

4. How do I stop dried flowers from shedding?

A light mist of hairspray can help hold delicate petals and prevent crumbling.

5. Can dried flowers attract pests?

If stored improperly, dried flowers can attract dust and insects. Please keep them in a sealed container or gently dust them every few weeks.