How to Dry Daisies in the Microwave

Daisies preserve well when dried properly. The flat flower form makes them especially suitable for framing or you can add them to dried flower bouquets. You can dry any daisy variety, including African and Shasta types, using a standard microwave oven. Unlike other drying methods, the microwave only requires a few minutes to leech the moisture from the petals. If they are prepared and dried using the proper method, the daisies retain their shape and color.

Glass bowl
Silica gel crystals
Small bowl

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the daisies after the petals begin to unfurl but before they have opened completely. Collect the flowers in the morning after the dew dries.
- 2
  Fill a microwave-safe container with 2 inches of silica gel crystals. Set the daisy flowers on top of the silica and leave an inch between flowers. Add silica over the daisies until the petals are covered.
- 3
  Set the container in the center of the microwave. Place a small bowl of water behind the container. The water adds moisture to the air so the daisies don't become too brittle as they dry.
- 4
  Adjust the power setting on the microwave oven to 200 to 300 watts. On most microwaves, the defrost setting is sufficient. Refer to your owner's manual for adjusting the power correctly.
- 5
  Microwave the flowers for 2 1/2 minutes. Remove the container from the microwave and cover it loosely with a lid.
- 6
  Remove the daisies from the container after 24 hours. Brush the silica from the top of the flowers. Slide your fingers under the blooms and lift them gently from the container. Tap the flowers softly to dislodge any remaining silica.

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