DRYING
HYDRANGEAS
STEPS FOR DRYING HYDRANGEAS WITH SILICA GEL
Below are the steps for drying a single hydrangea bloom in silica.
It is a relatively simple process except for one thing. The flower head must be "suspended" in the silica. This means that it cannot touch the sides or bottom of the container. If it does, the bloom will have an unnatural shape.
This is why it is important to hold the (up-side-down) flower away from the bottom of the container until one has sifted enough silica over the flower to hold it in place before continuing to cover the flowerhead (see illustration 4a-4c on next page).As one sifts the silica OVER the flower the silica will fall to the bottom and secure the head, keeping it from touching the bottom of the container.
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DRYING WITH SILICA GEL*
The
method of drying hydrangeas with silica gel will result in vivid colors
and an amazingly natural appearance. While this process is very simple, it
must be pursued over a number of weeks to obtain enough dried flower heads
to make an arrangement. 1. Use plastic Tupperware-type containers that are large enough to hold flowers without crushing them and a cup for sifting the silica over the bloom.
2. Cut fresh, recently opened hydrangeas from the shrub on the morning of the day they are to be put into the silica. Petals should be dry.
3. Cut stems very short so they will fit in containers. A few leaves may be left on or all can be removed.
*Caution: While the occasional use of Silica Gel is probably not harmful, it is recommended that one take precausions with this material. Wearing a mask during the pouring or sprinkling of the silica is recommended. I usually work next to my stove with the vent fan turned on high.
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