Magnolia blooms are among the world’s most iconic and sought after cut flowers. They’re distinctly fragrant, unparalleled in elegance, and they’re massive.
But, magnolia flowers’ beauty comes with a catch: once the bloom is separated from the magnolia tree, it’s only got till the stroke of midnight…
Okay, that’s not exactly how it works; there’s no short lived fairy godmother magic at play. Still, the bloom’s beauty is fickle and fleeting. They have an incredibly brief “shelf life.” With much care you can harvest these blooms for a special party or event.
Our expert growers got the process of harvesting and preserving magnolia flowers down to a science, so it’s safe to say we learned a few tricks along the way!
Whether it’s for your wedding, a centerpiece, a photoshoot, a bouquet, your dinner table, or just because, here’s the best advice in the business for picking magnolia blooms that’ll last.
When you’re considering which flowers to pick, be selective. The flowers that are fully open and displaying their signature look are NOT the flowers you want.
Instead, look for flowers that are about halfway open. They’ll continue to open when they’re on display. The fully open ones will only wilt when you try and put them out for show.
Some cultivars of Southern Magnolias grow more blooms than others. Two of the top bloom producing trees are called Kay Parris and Little Gem.
We harvested our blooms the day before an event required them. Start the harvesting in the cool early morning hours the day prior to the event.
By cutting magnolias in the morning when the blooms just begin to open, you know they spend a night with their pollinators. So, if your wedding is on Saturday, wait until Saturday morning to cut your magnolias. Cutting your flowers the day before means you must harvest a larger amount and you must store in water in a refrigerator overnight. You can remove them from the refrigerator 6-8 hours before the event. Keep in water at room temperature.
Hey flower lovers! I’ve spent countless hours trying to preserve those gorgeous magnolia blossoms, and boy, do I have some stories to share! After numerous epic fails and finally some successes, I’m here to spill all the tea on preserving these stunning flowers. Let’s dive into what really works (and what definitely doesn’t)!
Why Preserve Magnolia Flowers?
Before we jump in, let me tell ya why these beauties are worth preserving
- They’re absolutely stunning (duh!)
- Magnolias only bloom for a short time
- They make amazing decorative pieces
- Perfect for special memories and gifts
- Can be used in craft projects year-round
The Methods I’ve Tried (Including the Disasters!)
1. The Mod Podge Method (Don’t Waste Your Time!)
Look, I’ll be honest – I tried coating a whole magnolia flower with Mod Podge thinking I was genius. Spoiler alert: within hours, that beautiful white flower turned brown faster than a banana left in the sun. Total fail!
2. Dehydrator Method (Another Big Nope!)
Thought I’d be smart and use my never-used dehydrator. Here’s what happened:
- Flower was too big for the machine
- Broke the petals trying to force it in
- Ended up with crispy, discolored petals
- Wasted electricity and time
3. The Silica Gel Method (Finally, Success!)
This is the method that actually works! Here’s what you’ll need
- Silica gel (available at craft stores)
- An airtight container
- Fresh magnolia blooms
- Patience (lots of it!)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Choose fresh, unblemished magnolia flowers
- Fill your container with about 1 inch of silica gel
- Place the flower face-up in the container
- Gently pour more silica gel around and between petals
- Seal container and wait 3-4 weeks
- Remove carefully and dust off excess gel
Pro Tips from My Experience
- Timing is Everything
- Pick flowers in the morning
- Choose blooms that are just fully opened
- Avoid damaged or browning flowers
- Storage Matters
- Keep preserved flowers away from direct sunlight
- Store in a dry place
- Don’t handle them too much (they’re delicate!)
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t rush the drying process
- Skip the hairspray coating (trust me on this one!)
- Avoid humid areas for storage
Alternative Methods That Kinda Work
Borax Method
Mix:- 2 parts Borax- 1 part white cornmeal- 3 tablespoons salt per quartWhile this method works okay, it’s messy and expensive. I spent about $9 on supplies for ONE flower! Not exactly budget-friendly, if you ask me.
Air-Drying Method
This is the simplest but not the best:
- Hang flowers upside down
- Place in dark, dry area
- Wait 2-3 weeks
- Accept that colors will fade significantly
Why Some Methods Fail
From my experience (and trust me, I’ve had plenty of fails!), flowers brown or deteriorate because:
- Moisture gets trapped
- Processing time is too long
- Wrong preservation materials
- Incorrect temperature control
Long-Term Storage Tips
Once you’ve successfully preserved your magnolia flowers:
- Store in sealed container
- Add silica gel packets to absorb moisture
- Keep away from heat sources
- Handle with clean, dry hands
Final Thoughts and Reality Check
Let’s keep it real – preserved magnolias won’t look exactly like fresh ones. But with the right method (silica gel all the way!), you can get pretty close. It’s totally worth the effort when you see that beautiful preserved bloom sitting on your shelf months later!
Cost Breakdown
Here’s what you might spend:
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Silica Gel | $15-20 |
| Container | $5-10 |
| Fresh Flowers | Free (if you have a tree!) |
| Total | $20-30 |
Remember, you can reuse the silica gel multiple times, so it’s an investment that pays off if you’re planning to preserve more flowers.
#FlowerPreservation #MagnoliaLove #DIYCrafts #FlowerCrafts #GardeningTips
The Real Secret Sauce: Ice, Ice Baby
Before we get into the trade secret that no one talks about, DO NOT PUT YOUR FLOWERS IN THE FREEZER. You’ll just kill them.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way…
Our garden secret for making sure you get as much time as you can with your magnolia flowers is keeping them cold.
Before you harvest, prepare a cooler and give it time to get cold. Your cooler should also have cold tubes of water (like the little tubes a single rose comes in) at the ready or small buckets of water for the flower stems to soak in.
Getting your stems in water and into a cool environment is the best way – and really the only way – to see that they stay fresh for as long as possible. Cut your stem, strip the excess foliage, stick the stem into a tube or bucket, and get it in the cooler ASAP.
If you’re just harvesting for a dinner table arrangement at home, you have the option of bypassing the cooler. Just get those flower stems in water and bring them inside immediately.
Coolness delays the sinecense of the flower expiring, just like putting produce in the fridge. In the agribusiness industry, the speed at which professional growers can get the flower cold is a huge deal, and it’s what distinguishes a quality grower.
Behind the Scenes with Our Process
When we sold cut magnolia blooms, we had a speedy team at the ready. Really, it was like a NASCAR pit crew. We’re based out of Florida, so heat is our biggest adversary. Coolers weren’t just helpful; they were essential tools for making sure we put out a quality product.
Your flowers are picked, plucked, pruned, and perfectly chilly. Now what?
First off, take a look at your cooler. Avoid stacking the flowers on top of each other. They can touch, but you don’t want it to be too cramped.
Remember, keep the stems in water. There’s no magic ingredient. You don’t need flower food or any kind of additive in your water. You just need cool water in a cooler or fridge.
What about ice water? Honestly, we’re not sure. There’s no science that says it makes a significant difference, but it can’t hurt.
Pickled Magnolia Recipe – My way to preserve Magnolia Petals
FAQ
How to make magnolia flowers last longer?
Flowers should always be placed in a clean vase with room-temperature clean water. Change the water every 2-3 days to ensure the water is clean and fresh.
Can you put magnolia flowers in a vase?
If you’re using the bloom in a bouquet or boutonniere, you must keep the magnolia stem in a water tube (this might require you or your florist to get creative with the boutonniere design). Other blooms will do just fine in a vase.
How to preserve fresh flower petals permanently?
- Air drying – the low-maintenance method. …
- Pressing – suitable for crafting and art projects. …
- Silica gel – if you need a 3D effect. …
- Resin – to create ornaments and jewellery. …
- Microwave pressing – for speed. …
- Freeze dryers and food dehydrators – for those who love a gadget.
How long will cut magnolia blooms last?
Availability: Blossoms, late spring through early summer. Leaves, year round. Vase life: Blossoms, 5 to 7 days in water.