How to Dye a Gerbera Daisy

In a stem dye process, the gerbera daisy drinks the dye solution up through its stem, bringing the colored liquid into its petals. This is similar to a science project where the student places the stem of a white carnation into a glass of food coloring, then watches the white daisy turn the same shade as the food coloring. Yet with a floral stem dye, the colors are more vivid. The gerbera daisy responds quicker to the dye if the flower is dehydrated.

Scissors
Floral stem dye
Vase or glass

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the flowers from the plant, leaving as much of the stem attached to the flower as possible. Dry store in a refrigerator until you are ready to dye; do not set the cut ends in a vase of water.
- 2
  Mix the dye solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This might be 2 or 3 teaspoons per 1 gallon of warm water.
- 3
  Pour the solution in a flower vase or large glass
- 4
  Strip the lower leaves off the stems and re-cut the tip of the stem, removing about 1/4 inch.
- 5
  Place the cut end of the stem in the dye solution. The upper leaves and flower head should not be touching the solution. Only submerge the lower part of the stem, as you would when preparing a vase of flowers.
- 6
  Leave in the dye for up to one hour. Remove the flowers sooner if the petals obtain the desired color.
- 7
  Remove the flowers from the dye and rinse off the stems with clean water before placing them in a vase with fresh water.

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