How to Store Dried Flowers Like a Pro

Dried flowers are a simple, no-fuss way to preserve the beauty of your blooms, whether they’re harvested from your garden, picked up from the farmers’ market, or a special occasion bouquet.

Knowing how to store dried flowers is essential for preserving their color and structural integrity. Here’s how to keep them looking bright and in good shape for years to come.

How to Store Dried Flowers

Once you’ve dried your flowers via air drying, dehydrating, or pressing, there are several options. You can choose to display them as you would fresh flowers (minus the water, of course), transform them into crafts like wreaths or dried flower panels, or store them for later use or as a keepsake.

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How to Store Small Dried Bunches

Store small bouquets of dried flowers carefully to protect them from being damaged by light, disturbance, or infestation by beetles, roaches, or other insect pests. Ensure that the flowers are completely dry before storing them to avoid trapping moisture, which can lead to mold growth.

Gently wrap bouquets in plain kraft paper or newspaper and place them in an airtight container to keep out insect pests, which can damage plant parts.

You can place small dried flower bouquets in an airtight plastic box or bin, or use a zip-top plastic freezer bag to keep pests out.

Place bagged flowers in a shoebox or other container with some structure to prevent them from being crushed. Add packets of silica gel or another desiccant to absorb any excess moisture.

Store small bouquets in a cool, dry, dark place away from sunlight, which can cause colors to fade prematurely.

How to Store Dried Wedding Bouquets and Arrangements

Proper storage is even more important to keep these special dried flowers intact for larger arrangements and bouquets from weddings, funerals, anniversaries, or other occasions. First, ensure that your flowers are completely dry before storing them.

Some florists recommend spraying dried keepsake bouquets with unscented hairspray, matte acrylic sealer, or a spray specifically made for preserving dried flowers. The latter typically includes ingredients that will protect your flowers from UV rays and help preserve their color.

Store large bouquets wrapped in kraft paper or newspaper in an airtight plastic box. Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place like the back of a closet to protect the flowers from damaging light.

Desiccants like silica gel will help keep the storage environment dry.

Avoid storing dried bouquets in damp areas like basements. You may also wish to work with a local artist who can use some or all of your bouquet to make a collage or other decorative memento to honor your special occasion.

Ask them to mount it in a shadowbox with UV-protective glass to prevent fading and discoloration.

Why Store Dried Flowers?

• For sentimental value: You may want to keep dried flowers from a special occasion for future use, or simply to have something that reminds you of a certain event or person.
• To prepare for display: If you want to display or work with your dried flowers in the future, you’ll want to keep them in the best possible condition in the meantime.
• To give as a gift: If you’re planning to surprise a loved one with a gift of dried flowers, it’s important to store them safely after drying.

How Long Do Dried Flowers Last?

You can expect properly stored, long-lasting dried flowers such as roses, lavender, hydrangea, and baby’s breath to last for two to three years before showing signs of age.

However, dried flower bouquets may last longer than this with the proper preparation and storage.

How to Keep Dried Flowers From Going Bad

• Dry flowers completely before storage. Use desiccants to absorb any excess moisture.
• Store dried flowers in airtight containers to protect them from pests.
• Put dried flowers in a safe place to protect them from light, moisture, or breakage.
• Treat bouquets with dried flower sprays to extend their life and protect them from UV damage.