How to Make Potpourri at Home (Spring Edition)
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Tiempo de lectura 6 min
Spring in Britain can be a bit of a guessing game: one minute, it's sunshine, and the next, it's a downpour. But while the weather does its thing, there's an easy way to bring spring's fresh, uplifting scents into your home.
Homemade potpourri is a low-effort, high-reward way to refresh your space, create thoughtful gifts, or expand your product line if you're in the home fragrance business.
With the right blend of dried florals, citrus and fragrance oils, you can make a long-lasting, beautifully scented mix that feels like spring—no matter what's happening outside.
HOW TO MAKE POTPOURRI ↓
Stocking up on ingredients
Although it isn’t complicated to make, homemade potpourri isn’t just a handful of dried petals. A well-balanced blend layers florals, citrus, herbs, spices and fragrance oils to create depth, longevity and a scent that actually fills a room. Here’s how to build the perfect spring-inspired mix:
Florals (the base): Soft, romantic, and fresh: dried rose, lavender, jasmine, peonies, and chamomile create a delicate foundation for your blend. Lavender adds a calming note, jasmine and peonies bring a subtle sweetness, while chamomile has a light, herbal quality that pairs beautifully with citrus and fresh greens.
Citrus peels (the freshness): Lemon, orange, and grapefruit peels add a bright, zesty lift. These naturally fragrant peels enhance floral and herbal notes while preventing the mix from feeling too heavy. Grapefruit works well with mint, while orange pairs beautifully with cinnamon and cloves for a warm-spring balance.
Herbs (the green notes): Rosemary, thyme and mint introduce a fresh, garden-like quality that keeps floral-heavy blends from feeling too sweet. Mint pairs well with citrus, creating an energising feel, while rosemary and thyme add depth when combined with florals like lavender or chamomile.
Spices (the warmth): Cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves add a subtle warmth that balances out the lighter notes. Star anise works well with jasmine, while cinnamon and cloves complement citrus and floral combinations, adding a cosy but not overpowering depth.
Fragrance oils (the longevity booster): To keep your potpourri smelling fresh for weeks, a few drops of fragrance oil make all the difference. Lavender, bergamot, and geranium oils work beautifully with florals, citrus and herbs, strengthening the scent's throw. Apply sparingly—you want to boost the fragrance, not overpower it.
With the right balance of these ingredients, you’ll have a potpourri blend that’s fresh and enduring—the perfect way to bring spring into your home.
Perfect Potpourri Pairings
How to make potpourri
Making potpourri at home is simple yet rewarding. The key is ensuring each ingredient is properly dried and balanced for a long-lasting scent that stays fresh for weeks. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Gather & prep ingredients
Start by selecting your mix of dried flowers, citrus peels, herbs, and spices. Slice citrus peels into thin strips and pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. If using fresh flowers or herbs, trim stems and spread petals out evenly—this will help them dry properly without browning.
Step 2: Drying out your ingredients (two ways)
- Air-drying: Spread out flowers, herbs and citrus peels on a wire rack or parchment paper in a warm, dry space. Turn them every few days to ensure even drying. This method takes one to two weeks but helps retain natural colour and scent.
- Oven-drying: If you're short on time, arrange ingredients on a lined baking tray and dry them at 80°C (175°F) for 1-2 hours, checking regularly. This method works well for citrus peels and spices but can be too harsh for delicate florals.
Step 3: Mix your blend
Once fully dried, combine florals, citrus, herbs, and spices in a large bowl. Start with a floral base, then layer in complementary notes, such as lavender with rosemary and lemon peel or jasmine with star anise and orange. Toss gently to mix. If you prefer a finer texture, crush some of the dried ingredients slightly to release more fragrance.
Step 4: Add your fragrance oil
An important note: only oils that are suitable for use under category 10A of the corresponding IFRA certificate can be used for making potpourri. Unless an oil can be used at 100%, the fragrance MUST be diluted before use. Mix your chosen fragrance oil with our non-hazardous diffuser base at no more than a 25% maximum ratio (always check our fragrance table to ensure the maximum isn't lower) before adding it to your blend.
Once diluted, add a few drops to your dried ingredients—start small and build up to enhance the scent without overpowering. Mix well and let it sit for 24 hours before sealing, allowing the fragrance to fully absorb. Refresh with a few drops of the diluted blend every few weeks if needed.
Step 5: Store & cure
Store your finished potpourri in an airtight container or a sealed paper bag for at least a week to allow the scents to blend. Once cured, display it in bowls, tuck into sachets or use it for drawer fresheners. Keep it away from direct sunlight to preserve colour and fragrance.
Creative ways to use your potpourri
Now that you've mastered the art of making your own potpourri, here's how to make the most of it:
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Classic bowl display: Place potpourri in a glass or ceramic bowl in your living room, hallway or bathroom for a subtle, long-lasting scent. Stir occasionally to refresh the fragrance.
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Scented sachets: Fill small fabric pouches with potpourri and tuck them into drawers, wardrobes or linen cupboards for a gentle, everyday freshness. Also makes a thoughtful handmade gift!
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Simmer potpourri on the stove: Add a handful to a pot of simmering water to instantly fill your home with fragrance. Works exceptionally well with citrus peels and spices.
- DIY wax melts: Mix dried petals or herbs into melted wax, pour into moulds and use in a wax burner for a beautifully scented, decorative touch.
A zero-maintenance way to make your home smell amazing
Homemade potpourri is effortless, long-lasting and completely customisable—that’s the beauty of it! With the right mix, you can create a blend that feels personal and belongs in your space. Experiment with different ingredients, swap in seasonal scents and find a combination that makes your home smell like spring, rain or shine.
NI Candle Supplies specialises in high-quality candle-making materials, offering a diverse range of waxes, wicks, and fragrances. Committed to inspiring creativity, we provide resources for beginners and seasoned artisans. Our mission is to empower candle makers with quality products and expert guidance, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts who share a passion for craftsmanship and creativity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special type of oil to make potpourri?
Essential oils and fragrance oils are both very well suited to making potpourri. Both will help give your mix that oomph and distribute a heavenly scent throughout your home.
The only thing you need to be sure of when selecting oils to use is that they are safe under category 10A of the IFRA certificate (this is unique to each scent and should be readily available from your supplier). Do that, and you are good to go!
Isn't potpourri a bit of a 'nana' thing?
Not at all! Potpourri is making a stylish comeback, and it's not just your grandmother's fragrant blend anymore! Today's potpourri is a vibrant explosion of colours and scents, artfully arranged in chic glass jars or rustic wooden bowls that are simply begging to take centre stage in your living room.
With its eye-catching aesthetics and delightful aromas wafting through your space, potpourri has become the ultimate Instagram-worthy accessory.
Do I need to include a CLP label when selling?
Yes, you will. The good news is that when using our reed diffuser base and suitable fragrance oils, the template is already prepared for you. Simply navigate to our Compliance Documents and select the Reed Diffuser file. This is the same CLP template for potpourri, making it nice and easy to comply.
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