Posted by Kathy Mc on July 12, 19101 at 08:23:39:
In Reply to: drying calla lillies posted by GOF on July 09, 19101 at 15:05:20:
: Our new daughter in law carried a bouguet of calla lillies. We would like to dry/preserve the bouquet. Any advice as to how to do it? Thakns in advance.
If there's still time, I'd try silica gel (available at craft and large discount stores). Works very well for preserving flowers. Calla lillies do not seem like the typical flower to air dry properly (seems like they have a high moisture content). So the silica gel would work well. You might need to purchase two boxes at minimum, depending on which drying option you use. The gel is put in a bowl, the flower laid gently over it, and then you spoon the rest of the gel crystals over so the flower is covered. You can use either the microwave or the oven, or leave them in the dish for 2 weeks in a dark place. (If you opt for rapid heat drying, I'd suggest using the the oven for more consistent temperatature, as some microwaves have 'hot' spots.) The silica absorbs the moisture from the flower, and it preserves the shape and color quite well. When they're dry, take a very soft brush (like a blush brush) and gently dust off the remaining silica. This process has to be done relatively soon, before the flowers begin to wilt.