Flower Pressing for Herbalists
Lesson III: How to Press Botanicals
Lesson 3 dives into the craft of pressing and drying, where we take freshly gathered plants and carefully preserve them for future study. At first glance, it might seem straightforward—pick a flower, put it in a press, wait a week or two—but the process has layers of complexity depending on the type of plant you’re working with.
Simple Flowers
Thin, delicate blossoms—like violets, buttercups, or chamomile—are the easiest to work with. Their petals are fine, their stems aren’t bulky, and they usually lie flat with little encouragement. For these, a standard wooden press or even a heavy book with blotting paper will do the trick. The lesson reminds us to change the drying paper regularly to keep the colors bright and to prevent moisture buildup. With simple flowers, the goal is really just to preserve what’s already there: their natural symmetry and soft form.
Complex Flowers
Larger or more intricate blooms—think coneflowers, roses, or echinacea—require a bit more finesse. Their centers may be thick, their petals overlapping or layered in ways that resist flattening. The key here is preparation: sometimes gently removing extra petals, splitting the flower in half, or pre-flattening it before pressing helps the specimen dry evenly without molding. Complex flowers may also need stronger blotting materials and more frequent paper changes. It’s a slower, more hands-on process, but the result is worth it: a preserved bloom that shows both its structure and its story.
“Experimentation is a big part of this process. Some plants will surprise you by retaining their vibrant color and shape far better than you expected. Other plants will produce disappointing results, fading or turning brown no matter how carefully you preserve them. This is all part of the art and science of botanical preservation. Enjoy the journey!”
The lesson underscores that pressing is as much about patience as it is about technique. Rushing risks losing both color and form. But when done carefully, pressed plants become more than pretty mementos—they’re study tools, teaching aids, and a record of what was growing in a particular place and season.