How to use Silica Gel to Dry Flowers for Beginners -

At 14 weeks pregnant I experienced an unfortunate miscarriage. I was gifted many flowers that I wanted to preserve for a shadowbox that I was going to keep to remember the baby I lost. After lots of research I figured out how to use silica gel to dry flowers and it turned out fabulously. Whether you are preserving flowers for a loss, a celebration like a wedding or a craft, this post will help walk you through the easy beginner friendly method of drying flowers.

Shadowbox layout for a miscarriage with ultrasound pic, keepsake urn, and dried flowers

What is Silica Gel?

Silica Gel is a moisture-absorbing material that helps flowers dry faster while keeping their color and shape. Activa Flower Drying Art Silica Gel sold on Amazon or Walmart is one of the top silica gel options for drying flowers. This gel is non-toxic and is reusable which is preferrable for various dried flower art projects. Silica Gel is preferred for color preservation and keeping flower shape. See my blog post about ‘the difference between drying flowers with Silica Gel vs Hanging Flowers Upside Down‘.

Supplies Needed for Drying Flowers:

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Silica gel
Airtight container
Flowers
Scissors
Gloves (optional)
Paintbrush (for brushing off excess gel later)

Step-by-Step: How to Use Silica Gel to Dry Flowers

Step 1: Choose fresh flowers at their peak.

Step 2: Trim the stems if necessary.

Step 3: Pour a layer of silica gel into the container. About 1-2 inches.
Step 4: Gently place flowers on top.

4lbs of silica gel needed to fill this container

Bigger container probably needs 8lbs or more of silica gel

It’s best to try to not cross flowers, but if you must, do so at the stems

Step 5: Slowly pour silica gel around and over the flowers. This image below is an example of what not to do, you want to ensure flowers are completely covered.

Covered flowers in silica gel for drying

Step 6: Seal the container tightly and store in a cool dark place. I stored mine under my bed.
Step 7: Wait 2–7 days (depending on the flower type).
Step 8: Gently remove flowers and brush off excess gel.

Pro Tip: For beginners, start with sturdy flowers like roses, carnations, or zinnias.

Tips for Best Results

Use fresh (not wilted) flowers
Handle petals carefully
Store dried flowers in a cool, dry place

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using wilted flowers
Pouring silica gel too roughly
Not covering flowers fully
Leaving flowers in too long (can become brittle)

This picture below shows an example of me pouring the silica gel too roughly around my rose. It poured too fast and I poured in one directly rather than pouring at different angles to ensure it didn’t crush my rose, therefore it dried smooshed.

Dried and crushed orange rose because of silica gel not being poured correctly

See my post comparing silica gel vs. upside down drying for a differentiation of the two drying methods.

Comparing two pink roses to show the difference between upside down drying methods and the silica gel method in color and shape

Overall this was a surprisingly rewarding and easy project and perfect for beginners. Especially if this is for a shadowbox or wedding, this is an easy project that you’ll be grateful you took the time to do. You can also do this for wreaths, other keepsakes, resin art, holiday craft projects and more. If you decide to incorporate this project tag me on social media @ourfamilymaison and I’d love to give you a shoutout.