How Will Dye Affect the Color of White Daisies?

Use dye to change the color of a white daisy or other white flower to provide different hues in your floral arrangements. Dye is an inexpensive way to transform the look of flowers for seasonal decor or to coordinate with the colors in a room. The petals absorb the dye, but the process does not affect the longevity of the bloom.

Food coloring or dye is available in basic colors of red, blue, green and yellow, as well as trendy neon colors. The dye is located in the baking goods aisle of grocery and discount stores. It is inexpensive and typically used in decorating Easter eggs or tinting foods such as coconut, frosting and other items.

The amount of time it takes food coloring to alter the white petals of a daisy depends on stem length and absorption by the particular flower. It can take up to 24 hours to transform the look of the petals. Typically, the dye results in a pastel shade of the dye color. Once removed from the dye and water solution, the petals remain the same shade until the flower dies.

Add one ounce of the preferred color dye to one pint of water in a jar or mixing bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar to the solution and stir it until it dissolves. Pour about 3 inches of the dye solution into another clear glass jar or vase that will allow the flower to stand.Trim the stem end of the white daisy with a sharp knife or scissors. Cut the stem at an angle for better absorption of the dye and water solution. Cutting the stem under running water decreases the chance of an air bubble blocking dye absorption in the flower stem tube. Stand the white daisy in the jar or vase containing the 3 inches of dye solution. Check back every few hours to monitor the color strength. Once the daisy petals are saturated with enough color, remove the flower from the dye solution. Cut the stem end again, rinse and dry it. The altered daisy, unharmed by the dyeing process, is ready to use in an arrangement or for other decor purposes. Save the remaining dye solution for a different flower project on another day.

Use pastel-dyed flowers in floral arrangements, corsages or boutonnieres. Dyed flowers are attractive in centerpieces or in seasonal crafts. Placing the flowers in a vase of clear lukewarm water will keep them looking fresh for days. Other white flowers that work well with dye solution are carnations and Queen Anne's lace. Combine red- and blue-dyed flowers with white ones for a patriotic arrangement. Wearing a dyed flower is an effective way to add a touch of green to your outfit on Saint Patrick's Day.