It’s no secret. We adore flowers. (And if you’re reading this, it’s likely you do too!) While their fleeting nature makes them even more cherished, it’s always hard to let them go.
Flower pressing is a beautifully simple way to make your flowers last longer. It’s easy, it’s affordable and it produces excellent results.
So what are the best flowers for flower pressing (and which don’t work quite as well). And what techniques should we use? Here’s everything we know about flower pressing.
Why press flowers?
As devoted flower farmers, we love nothing more than the sight of vibrant blooms. We love them growing in the field or plucked at peak freshness to bring joy or comfort.
But a close second is dried flowers.
When pressed, flowers retain their beauty and can last for years. Flower pressing is a great way to preserve a particularly special bunch into the future.
Maybe you grew them yourself, or someone special gave them to you. Perhaps they brought you consolation during a difficult time or marked a significant occasion. Or maybe they are simply your favourite flower. Whatever the reason, pressing can help you to hang on to flowers into the future.
Flower pressing can also be an enjoyable hobby. You can ignite your creativity to create a work of art, use them to wrap gifts or simply sprinkle them through your favourite books. You can find a whole host of pressed flower craft ideas online.
Check out these DIY guides for hanging mobiles, phone cases and even gorgeous butterfly wings.
What are the best flowers for flower pressing?
You can press most flowers, but there are certainly some species and characteristics that are better than others. Choose species that will maintain their colour and shape after being pressed. Look for blooms that have one layer of petals. Flowers that are naturally flat also press best.
If choosing to press a larger or fuller flower – for example, roses – pick off the petals or cut the flower in half.
Best flower species for flower pressing
- Carnations
- Chrysanthemums
- Gerberas
- Roses
- Baby’s breath
- Geraniums
- Lavender
- Ferns
- Pansies
- Violets
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
However, when it comes to pressing flowers, the most important thing is to do the ones you love! This might be:
Flowers that hold a special memory
Pressing can be a wonderful way to preserve flowers that hold sentimental value. Maybe flowers you were given during a time of celebration, an anniversary or your wedding. Or flowers that commemorated a loss. Perhaps some picked blooms from your garden before you move out.
Keeping a few flowers as a keepsake is a beautiful way to honour your precious memories.
High-quality blooms
The best flowers for flower pressing are always unblemished, quality blooms. Healthy petals that are full of vibrance and colour will ensure the pressed flowers still look full of life long term. These are typically from micro farms and grown locally. Fragile, low-quality flowers are less likely to achieve longevity.
Fresh flowers
Fresh flowers press the best. In our opinion, that means flowers that have been ‘grown not flown’. Plants picked at peak freshness and then pressed soon after will preserve their good looks. You may assume that means flowers picked first thing in the morning.
The best flowers for flower pressing are also free from moisture, so wait until the morning dew has dried. Choose flowers that have recently bloomed but are not starting to wilt.
Methods for flowers pressing
Pressing flowers is simple and easy (and fun!). You can just press flowers between two sheets of paper (printer paper is the best), and apply a weight. We think some heavy books works very well and applies an even pressure.
Leave the weights on for about a week before checking on the flowers. You’ll likely need a full two or three weeks before the flowers are fully dried. During that time replace the paper once a week until they’re ready to go. Easy peasy!
But if you want a sure fire way to make the most evenly pressed flowers, we love Sow’n’Sow Flower Presses. They’re handcrafted locally in Queensland and feature stunning illustrations. Made from hardwearing materials, these presses will maintain even pressure across the board for a long time. They offer the high level of quality your fresh flowers deserve.
Searching for the best flowers for flower pressing?
Looking for the freshest and best flowers for flower pressing? We’ve got you covered. The Flower Farm grows a huge range of fresh, quality flowers right here in Queensland. Simply head online and choose from a gorgeous range of seasonal bunches. Pick your favourite colour palette, from pastels to bright, or opt for a bunch of fresh gerberas or carnations.
Alternatively, call us if you have any questions or to discuss your needs. We would love to help you choose the best flowers for flower pressing.