Several factors are involved in successful drying procedure: The moisture content of the flower, the moisture absorbing content of the drying chemical, temperature, humidity, fleshiness of the plant material, the intactness of the petals. There are a variety of methods. I have seen freeze dried flowers that looked almost perfect but do not have the equipment for that. I think I have tried using silica gel in the microwave but preferred the longer borax drying procedure. Have not had any luck with silica gel otherwise. I have dried flowers such as pansies in the microwave between layers of paper towel. The flowers shrank and darkened in color but were pretty and usable. I posted my method for borax drying which has been successful for me but have never used corn meal. Air drying is my preferred method during the hot dry summer when the heat will be most effective. Some flowers droop when hung to air dry that will do well with the borax. I have been wondering if a dehydrator would work with flowers.. I don't have one, but it might be interesting to try.. Keep posting follow up on your experiments. It is fun to share.