Not long ago, my daughter and I saw a video on social media on how to preserve flowers in bottles. It looked like such a fun way to keep blooms around longer. We just had to try it.
We picked out a few flower stems from our garden. You can also use fresh flowers from the grocery store or flower shop. It was fun to try this. My grandson had a bit too much fun finger-painting with the baby oil. We fell in love with the results.
Now, my daughter has her little oil jars sitting on the kitchen counter, right by her windowsill. Since we spend so much time in the kitchen, it’s a beautiful way to enjoy flowers every day.
This method is one of the easiest ways to preserve flowers, and it doesn’t take any special equipment. Just a few simple supplies.
We’ve tried a few ways to keep flowers from special moments. This baby oil method is our newest favorite, but we also love pressing fresh flowers for things like bookmarks and gift tags.
Why Preserve Flowers in Bottles?
There are numerous ways to preserve cut flowers, but bottling them in baby oil is:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to do at home
- A fun project for all ages
- A creative way to save a wedding bouquet or special gift
- A good idea for seasonal or garden flowers
A Pet-Friendly Alternative to Fresh Flowers
Here’s another reason we love this project: my daughter has cats. And they love to snack on fresh flowers.
Every time her husband brings home a bouquet, she ends up hiding it on top of the refrigerator. Otherwise, the cats chew on the petals, knock over the vase, or make a mess of the stems. Worse yet, some types of flowers can be toxic to cats, like:
- Lilies
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Chrysanthemums
Even if the flowers aren’t toxic, it’s still no fun to clean up broken stems and spilled vase water.
Bottled flowers are a great solution. Once the blooms are sealed in clear glass bottles with baby oil, there’s nothing for curious paws to dig into. No mess, no risk. And they still look beautiful on the kitchen counter or windowsill.
It’s a fun way to display flowers without worrying about your pets. Plus, they last a whole lot longer than a regular bouquet!
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following:
- Fresh flowers (choose flowers in full bloom with firm petals)
- Baby oil or mineral oil (avoid colored or scented oils, and No cooking oils)
- Clear glass bottles or jars with lids or corks
- Scissors or garden shears
- Paper towels or coffee filters
- Wooden skewer or tweezers
- Funnel
- Rubber band (optional for holding stems together)
- Optional: ribbon, labels, or decorations
Step-by-Step: Preserve Flowers in Baby Oil
Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Flowers
The type of flower you choose matters. For the best results, use small, sturdy flowers like:
- Baby’s breath
- Lavender
- Small roses
- Daisies
Top tips from floral experts:
- Pick blooms that are fully open but not wilting.
- Trim the lower leaves to prevent cloudiness.
- Avoid overly juicy stems. Stick to those with less moisture.
Step 2: Dry the Flowers
Before placing flowers in the oil, it’s important to dry flowers slightly. This prevents bacteria and clouding.
- Let them sit on a paper towel for 24 hours in a well-ventilated area.
- You can also use air drying or the silica gel method for more delicate flowers.
Avoid using flowers straight from a clean vase filled with vase water. They’re often too wet for this project.
Step 3: Prepare the Bottle
Wash and dry your clear glass bottles. Make sure they’re totally dry before you begin.
Moisture inside the bottle can affect the clarity and shelf life of the preserved flowers.
Gently insert the flowers using a wooden skewer or tweezers. Arrange them nicely. You won’t be able to move them later!
Step 4: Add Baby Oil
Use a funnel to slowly pour baby oil into the bottle until the flowers are fully covered. The oil helps keep the color and shape of the flowers.
Important notes:
- Avoid direct sunlight or direct light to prevent fading.
- Make sure there are no bubbles at the bottom of the vase.
- Seal with a tight lid or cork. A liquid candle lid or airtight container works well.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use freshly trimmed flowers in full bloom.
- Dry them for at least 24 hours on a paper towel or coffee filter.
- Choose a well-ventilated area to work in.
- Avoid placing bottles in direct sunlight to preserve color.
- Keep sealed bottles upright and out of heat.
- Label your bottles with dates or flower types if you’re making several.
How Long Do Bottled Flowers Last?
With care, preserved dried flowers in oil can last for months. Up to a year. Just keep an eye out for:
- Cloudy oil
- Faded petals
- Floating debris
If needed, you can replace the oil and reseal the bottle.
We plan on making this an annual project. Each year, we will find some little flowers and preserve them so we can enjoy them year round.
Other Fun Flower Projects to Try
- Pressing flowers and showing them in picture frames
- Creating candles with paraffin wax
- Using a pressure pot for professional preservation
- Adding lemon-lime soda to water for longer-lasting blooms
- Drying flowers upside down with a rubber band
- Storing dried petals in airtight containers for potpourri
Bottling Fresh Flowers in Baby Oil
Preserving flowers in baby oil is one of the easiest methods to enjoy their beauty long after they’ve been picked. Whether it’s a wedding bouquet, a garden bloom, or just a lovely flower from the grocery store, bottling them is a beautiful way to keep memories close.
Try it for yourself. It’s the best way to bring a bit of the floral world into your everyday life.
