Air drying flowers is one of the easiest methods of preservation and
gives plants a crisp look that lasts for years. Air drying flowers make
a fabulous decoration by themselves, but when they are dry, they make
more beautiful and exotic flower arrangements.
It is very simple to air dry flowers. The flower needs to be hung out
of direct light. One needs rubber bands and either paperclips or florist
wire for air drying process. Large flower heads should be hung
individually. Most flowers can be dried on their stems. However, some
flowers have a weak stem and require that a wire be inserted before
drying to support the flower. The drying process normally takes two to
three weeks. The flowers are then stored in airtight containers to
prevent then from insects and rodents.
Steps of Air Drying Process
- Cut flowers of good quality at prime conditions or slightly
immature.
- Remove foliage from stems. If stems are weak or become brittle
after drying, remove them and wire the flowers.
- Group the stems into small bunch and tie with a rubber band. It
will pull tighter a sthe stems shrink during drying.
- Hang upside down in a warm, dry, dark area such as an attic,
closet or furnace room. Avoid damp rooms or direct sun on the
flowers. Good air circulation is important.
- Wait for the flowers to completely dry, and then sort the plants
by flower types and sizes, and store them in an airtight container
until ready to use.
Flowers for Air Drying
Flowers recommended for air drying includes a wide range of flower
types. Some flowers dried by the process are Dock, Cockscomb, Honesty,
Saliva, Yarrow, Grains, Chives, Chinese lantern, Calendula, Globe
thistle, Okra, Teasal, Tansy, Sumac, Xeranthemum, etc.
Plants suitable for hanging include those that are papery and somewhat
dry and stiff even in their natural form. Some of the plants are
cockscomb, lavender, statice, strawflower, yarrow, herbs, thistle, sage,
roses, marigold, iris, and larkspur.
Blue and yellow flowers retain their colors when air dried, but pink
flowers fade. Rose Flowers and peonies shrink somewhat when air dried.
