Just switched from hanging to silica gel for my hydrangeas

I always swore by air drying my hydrangeas upside down in the garage, but after ruining 3 batches last month (they got all brown and crispy), I tried silica gel from Hobby Lobby. It only took 4 days instead of 2 weeks, and the colors stayed way more vibrant. Has anyone else had better luck with silica gel over hanging for delicate flowers?

2 comments

2 Comments

butler.brian1mo ago

Went through the exact same thing with my hydrangeas last year. Hanging them in the dark closet worked okay for the first batch, but the second batch got that gross brown edge thing you're talking about. Silica gel is a game changer for sure. I found that if you gently brush the petals open and pour the gel in between them before you seal the container, you get way better shape retention. Also, don't leave them in longer than 3-4 days or they get too brittle. Just a heads up, the silica gel can be reused over and over if you bake it dry on a cookie sheet at 200 degrees for an hour. Your mileage may vary on that though.

nora5351mo ago

My buddy tried the hanging method with his lavender. He forgot about it for two weeks. Pulled it out and it looked like something that fell off a mummy. The dried stuff crumbled to dust the second he touched it. He still brings it up every time someone mentions drying flowers.