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Drying and Processing Techniques for Flowers
Fall is a common time for collecting plants to be used in dry arrangements. For
beautiful cut flower arrangements, it is recommended to flowers just before they
are at their fully opened stage, not after they have begun to fade. The flower
surfaces should be as dry as possible to prevent mold and mildew; collecting on
a sunny day should prevent wet flower surfaces. Roadsides, abandoned fields,
woods, etc. are wonderful places to collect those materials which have dried
naturally.
If the flowers cannot be processed immediately after cutting, put them in water
for no longer than 24 hours as water taken up through the stem will do no harm
but surface moisture will cause damage. However, some flowers, such as the
ageratum and yarrow, will hold their color better if allowed to stay in water
for several hours. Process more material than needed to allow for loss and
shrinkage. Flowers should be dried in a moisture-absorbing material, such as
sand, borax, or silica gel and must often be wired after drying by these
methods. Using a microwave oven is possible, but involves much trial and error
in developing satisfactory procedures for various flowers. When using a
microwave for drying purposes, use a desiccant such as silica gel to support the
flowers in a glass or microwave-safe container. Do not cover the container, and
always place a cup of water in the oven before beginning to prevent excess
drying. Drying times vary, and a standing period following drying is necessary
to complete drying and allow for cooling.
When using the upside down method of drying, prepare the place where flowers are
to hang. Since they must be dried quickly, a dim attic with good air circulation
is ideal. Most basements are too damp, and closets have too little air
circulation. To prepare the area, string wires or cords in parallel lines, about
six inches apart. All foliage should then be stripped from the flower stems and
the smaller flowers tied in bunches with differing stem lengths, so that the
flower heads do not touch each other. Large flowers should be tied individually.
The bunches and individual flowers should then be fastened to the strung lines,
far enough apart so they do not touch. They are then left from two to three
weeks--most flowers will dry in this length of time. When they are thoroughly
dry, flowers may be packed in boxes according to size: heavy materials in one
box, delicate flowers in other boxes and labeled carefully.
Some flowers that dry easily upside down are:
(NOTE: Those staffed should be stood upright in ajar).
Astilbe Everlastings Mullein
*Baby's-Breath False Indigo Okra
Beebalin Gaillardia Onion
Blue Thimble Flower Globe Amaranth Plume Grass
Butterfly Weed Globe Thistle Plume Poppy
Calendula Goldenrod Queen Ann's Lace
Castor Bean Pods Honesty Sage
Cattail Ironweed *Statice
Chinese Lantern Joe Pye Weed Straw Flowers
Chives Larkspur (Annual) Sweet Sultan
Cockscomb Lavender Tansy
Dock-pink, green, brown Lemon Verbena Thermopsis
Dusty Miller Mangold Yarrow
Meadow-Rue
Another method of drying is the sand or Borax method. Flowers that cannot be
dried upside-down can be preserved by burial in sand or borax. Although clean,
sharp, shore sand is best, sand used by building contractors is nearly as good.
If using Borax, it must be noted that Borax MAY leave a slight film that is
difficult to remove from the delicate-textured flowers. If Borax is indeed used,
make sure it is not lumpy--sifting may be necessary.
Sand must be clean and dry, as damp sand will spot and spoil the flowers. It is
recommended to use an ordinary cardboard carton large enough to hold several
flowers. Put several thickness' of newspaper in the bottom will provide
additional strength. Pour in the sand to a depth of about four inches. Flowers
should be stripped of all foliage and stems cut to the desired length. Short
stems can be lengthened later with wire. The flowers should stand upside down,
their heads placed so they do not touch each other, then pour sand gently over
them. When the large flowers are partially covered, the spaces in between can be
used for smaller flowers. Continue to pour on sand until the flowers are buried,
however, it is not necessary to completely cover the stems, as most stems dry
fairly easily in air. Be sure there is sand between each petal and in the
trumpets of flowers like the daffodil and Lily. If the flower is spike-shaped
(like the coral-bells or bleeding-heart) or pyramidal (like the lilac), lay them
lengthwise in the box and cover them gently with sand. When the flowers are
thoroughly dried, brush off the sand with a soft brush or tissue, and pack them
in boxes. Each box should be labeled with the flower names it contains and store
them in a cool dark place for at least two weeks. If borax is used, be sure it
is not lumpy--it may be necessary to sift it.
Flowers that dry well in sand or borax are:
Asters Cornflower Loosestrife
Balloon-Flower Cosmos Liatris
Balsam Daffodils Lupine
Bleeding-Heart Dahlias Painted Daisy
Butterfly Bush Delphinius Pansies
Candytuft Dandelion Peony
Canterbury Bells Day-Lily Rose
Carnations (Pinks) Geranium Shasta Daisy
Chrysanthemum Gladiolus Stock
Coleus Leaves Gloriosa Daisy Snapdragons
Columbine Iris Tulip
Coneflower Lilac Zinnias
Coral-Bells Lily
Coreopsis Lily-of-the-Valley
One product for drying flowers is silica gel, or FLOWER-DRI. The method for
using it is very similar to the sand and borax method and silica gel can be
purchased at florist shops. After drying flowers, any moisture can be removed
from the silica gel by heating it in an oven at 250 degrees F.
To dry flowers in silica gel, place flowers face-up in about two inches of
silica gel in a shallow, covered pan. Sprinkle more of silica gel over the
flowers until they are covered, making sure the silica gel is worked in around
the flower parts. Flowers should be stored for one week in a covered container
sealed with masking tape. After one week, carefully remove the dried flowers and
blow or brush away adhering particles of silica gel.
Glycerin cannot be used successfully with in drying flowers, but it can be
used for most foliages.
Author Unknown
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