How to Dye Flowers

While nature provides many flowers that are available in a wide variety of colors, the brilliantly colored flowers that are often seen at weddings, in florists' shops, and in high-quality images in magazines and online are often dyed. White roses and carnations are just two of the many types of flowers that are commonly dyed to produce a wide variety of colors, and intensities, not normally seen in nature. Dying flowers at home is easy and doesn't require any expensive tools or skills. This article explains how to dye flowers.

1. Add clean water to a vase until it is about half full.
2. Add approximately 20-40 drops of food coloring for every 2 cups (500 ml) of water in the vase. The amount of food coloring to add depends on the hue you're trying to achieve. For a subtle, subdued color, add about 20 drops. For deeper, more vibrant color, add more food coloring.
3. Collect the flowers with all the stems pointing downward. Cut off the bottom 2 inches (5.08 cm) of all of the stems diagonally using sharp scissors so that the bottom tips of the flower stems will be pointed.
4. Place the flowers into the vase of colored water, stems first.
5. Place the vase full of flowers in a cool place and allow them to sit undisturbed for approximately 24 hours. During this time, the veins in the flower stems will suck the colored water from the bottom of the stems all the way to the tips of the flower petals.
6. Remove the flowers from the colored water once they reach the desired color.

• Always cut the bottom of the stem sideways to where there is a tip, the flower will absorb more water and live longer.
• Mixing dye colors on white flowers can produce an interesting multi-colored, tie-dyed effect.
• While a white flower provides the widest array of color options, similar to a blank canvas when painting, colored flowers can also be dyed. Consider the original flower color carefully since it is likely to show through once the flowers have been dyed.
• The longer the flowers remain in the colored water, the deeper and more vibrant the flower petals will become.
• Use a glass or ceramic vase rather than a plastic container when dying flowers because the dye is likely to stain the plastic.
• Dying flowers is a fun and simple project that not only produces beautiful flowers, but is also a great educational activity for children.
• When dying flowers, start with newly cut flowers that have not begun to wilt. Old flowers will not absorb the dye as well as fresh flowers will.
• For a dramatic floral arrangement, use black ink to dye flowers black.

• Food coloring can stain, so be careful when using it to dye flowers, especially when dying flowers with young children.

• Glass or ceramic vase
• Food coloring
• Roses, carnations, or any other long stemmed flower
• Sharp scissors