Homemade Potpourri 101

The Three Components of Potpourri

Fixative:

• These do the best job of absorbing the different fragrances so things keep smelling nice for a longer period of time. Potpourri fixatives are things like oak moss and orris root.

Fragrance:

• Essential oils, fragrance oils. These are applied to the Fixatives so they’ll retain the fragrance for a longer period of time. When the potpourri needs to be freshened up because its losing its fragrance, just add more Fragrance to the Fixatives.

Filler:

• The dried flowers, herbs, leaves, wood shavings, wood chips and spices (both fragrant and non-fragrant).
• If you’re using fresh items that need to be dried first, plan on four times the amount that you are needing. For example: if you want 1 cup of potpourri, prepare 4 cups of fresh items to be dried to account for the shrinkage.

Tools Needed for Making Potpourri

• Use plastic, wood, ceramic or glass bowls and plastic or wooden spoons when preparing.
• Do not use metal items.
• A mortar and pestle will also come in handy when crushing the items.
• If recipe calls for salt, use Kosher salt because it has no additives.

Potpourri Storage

• Seal the potpourri in a jar, crock, airtight container or ziploc baggies and store in a cool, dark place until it’s ready to use.
• For freshly made potpourri, allow it to cure for about six weeks before using. The longer the potpourri is allowed to cure, the stronger and longer lasting the fragrance will be. Shake the container or bag regularly during this stage to blend the ingredients (about every other day).

Two Types of Potpourri

Dry Potpourri:

• Is made by combining dried flowers and ingredients in an airtight container and allowing to cure over time.

Moist Potpourri:

• Is made with partially dried flowers, leaves and herbs that are layered with salt (use Kosher salt).
• The potpourri should be made in a large crock or bowl that is made airtight by covering with a tight fitting lid.
• Layer flowers about 2″, then salt about 1/8″.
• Place a plate on the top layer to cover and weigh down the ingredients. Place a weight on top of the plate with something heavy (like a bowl or rock).
• Cover the container so it’s airtight.
• Stir daily and allow to ferment for 14 days.
• After 14 days, stir the mixture well then re-seal tightly.
• Allow the potpourri to “brew” untouched for four weeks. Do not peek or allow any air in the crock. After four weeks the potpourri can be removed from the crock and used.

Ingredient Ideas for Potpourri

Flowers & Filler Suggestions:

• Lavender
• Roses (petals and buds)
• Pine cones
• Cedar tips
• Eucalyptus

Herbs:

• Mint
• Lemon Balm
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Spices:

• Cinnamon Sticks
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Vanilla Beans
• Anise

Dried Fruits:

• Orange peels
• Lemon peels
• Apple slices

Fixatives:

• Orris root
• Oak moss
• Calamus root
• Sandalwood chips
• Wood shavings
• Tonka beans
• Ground cinnamon

General Rule of Thumb Potpourri Ratio

• 2 parts dried flowers, 1 part dried herbs and leaves, .5 part spices, Fixative (1 TBS per 1 cup dried flowers), Fragrance (2 drops per 1 TBS of Fixative). This isn’t a hard and fast rule, mix as you prefer.

How to Pronounce “Potpourri”

• Some say “Pot–Poor–EE” but it’s actually “Poe–Poo–Ree” and it’s a french word that means “Rotten Pot” (if you try the Moist Method of making potpourri, you’ll know why rotten pot applies). See below for more info on the Moist Method.

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