Preservative-free, chemical-free and naturally air-dried, this perfectly sums up how we dry our paper daisies at Petal & Bow Flowers.
At Petal and Bow Flowers, we grow, harvest, and dry Australian native paper daisies right here in Coonamble, NSW. Our hot, dry summer climate helps the flowers keep their vibrant colours without the need for artificial chemicals or preservatives. These everlasting blooms are naturally beautiful both fresh and dried, making them one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to preserve.
Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to dry paper daisies naturally:
Harvest at the right stage
We pick our paper daisies when they are fully open. The bottom half of the stems are stripped of leaves before bunching. This improves airflow and reduces the risk of mould. Always pick after the morning dew has dried, as moisture is the biggest enemy of dried flowers.
Bunch in small groups
We tie our flowers into bunches of about 30 stems. Smaller bunches mean better airflow and less chance of mould. We use a small handheld tying machine with elastic to hold the stems firmly this way, as the stems shrink during drying, the bunch stays together.
Hang flowers upside down
Our bunches are halved and looped over thin rods, which is quick and efficient compared to tying string to each bunch. Hanging them upside down helps the flowers keep their natural shape while drying.
How Long Do Paper Daisies Take to Dry?
Paper daisies generally take around 4–8 weeks to dry completely, depending on your climate, temperature and humidity.
Here in Coonamble, our hot, dry conditions mean our paper daisies are often completely dry within around four weeks.
How to Keep Dried Paper Daisies Looking Beautiful
The easiest way to keep your dried paper daisies looking beautiful and lasting is by following some simple tips.
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Avoid damp or humid rooms
- Handle gently
- Keep somewhere with airflow
- Display away from heaters/fireplaces
- Don't mist dried flowers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do paper daisies take to dry?
Paper daisies generally take around 4–8 weeks to dry completely, depending on your climate, temperature and humidity. Here in Coonamble, our hot, dry conditions mean ours are often ready within around four weeks.
When should I pick paper daisies for drying?
Pick paper daisies once the flowers have opened but while their colour is still bright and vibrant. Flowers left on the plant for longer will gradually begin to fade as they mature and start producing seed.
Do you have to hang paper daisies upside down to dry?
Hanging paper daisies upside down helps the stems dry straight and allows good airflow around the flowers. Small bunches are best, as tightly packed flowers can trap moisture.
Do dried paper daisies keep their colour?
Yes. Paper daisies retain their colour beautifully when dried correctly. Keeping them away from direct sunlight during drying and once displayed helps prevent their colours from fading.
How do you stop dried flowers from going mouldy?
Good airflow and low moisture are essential. Pick flowers after any morning dew has dried, remove lower leaves, dry them in small bunches and leave plenty of space for air to circulate.
Want to grow paper daisies to pick and dry yourself?
Start with Australian everlasting paper daisy seed and enjoy the whole process from the first tiny seedlings through to bunches of everlasting flowers.
Prefer them already dried?
Our paper daisies are grown, harvested and naturally air-dried right here at Petal & Bow Flowers in Coonamble.
