A Guide to Flower Preservation Techniques Used by Flower Growers Around the World
Flower preservation is an important process for flower growers who wish to extend the life of their blooms and preserve their beauty for display, sale, or artistic purposes. Over the years, many techniques have been developed across different cultures to preserve flowers in various forms. In this florist guide, we’ll explore the most common methods of flower preservation used by flower growers around the world.
1. Air Drying
Air drying is one of the oldest and simplest methods for preserving flowers. This technique involves removing moisture from flowers by hanging them in a dry, warm, and well-ventilated area. It is especially useful for creating dried flower arrangements or crafts.
Steps:
Select Flowers: Choose flowers that are at their peak bloom and free from damage.
Prepare the Flowers: Remove any leaves that may trap moisture and cause mold.
Tie and Hang: Gather the flowers in small bunches, tie the stems together with a string, and hang them upside down in a dry, dark, and cool place.
Wait for Drying: Allow the flowers to dry for about 1-3 weeks, depending on their size and moisture content.
Tip: Flowers like lavender, roses, and baby’s breath are particularly well-suited for air drying.
2. Pressing
Pressing flowers is another traditional technique used to preserve them. This method works by compressing flowers between absorbent paper to remove moisture and maintain their shape. The flowers become flat and can be used in artwork, scrapbooks, or as gifts.
Steps:
Choose the Flowers: Pick flowers with flat, smooth petals. Thin flowers such as pansies, violets, and daisies press well.
Prepare the Flowers: Place each flower between two sheets of absorbent paper, such as blotting paper or newspaper.
Press the Flowers: Stack the papers and place a heavy book or weight on top. Leave them pressed for about 1-2 weeks.
Use the Pressed Flowers: Once fully dried and pressed, carefully remove the flowers and use them in frames, cards, or other decorative items.
Tip: To preserve color, press flowers as soon as possible after they are cut.
3. Silica Gel Drying
Silica gel is a modern and effective method for preserving flowers while maintaining their shape, texture, and color. This technique uses silica crystals to absorb moisture from flowers quickly, making it ideal for more delicate flowers.
Steps:
Select Flowers: Choose flowers that are in their prime. Roses, lilies, and tulips work well with this method.
Prepare the Container: Fill a container with a layer of silica gel. Make sure it is deep enough to completely bury the flowers.
Place the Flowers: Gently place the flowers in the silica gel, ensuring that their petals are fully covered by the gel. Use a soft brush to remove any excess gel from the petals.
Dry the Flowers: Seal the container and let it sit in a cool, dry place for about 3-7 days.
Remove the Flowers: Once the flowers are fully dry, gently remove them from the silica gel and shake off any excess. You can spray them with a floral sealant to preserve their color and texture.
Tip: This method is best for preserving the shape and vibrancy of flowers, and it works well for flowers with thick petals.
4. Glycerin Preservation
Glycerin preservation is a method that involves replacing the water content in the flowers with glycerin, which keeps the flowers soft and pliable while maintaining their color. This method works well for leaves, greenery, and flowers like roses, magnolias, and ivy.
Steps:
Prepare a Glycerin Solution: Mix one part glycerin with two parts warm water. Heat it gently until the glycerin dissolves.
Cut the Stems: Trim the stems of the flowers to about 6-8 inches.
Submerge the Stems: Place the cut ends of the stems into the glycerin solution. The flowers will absorb the solution through the stems.
Wait for Absorption: Allow the flowers to absorb the glycerin for 2-3 weeks, checking periodically. The flowers will gradually become soft and retain their color.
Dry the Flowers: Once the flowers are fully saturated with glycerin, remove them from the solution and allow them to dry in a cool place.
Tip: This method is excellent for preserving the natural texture of flowers, making them ideal for wreaths and floral arrangements.
5. Freeze-Drying
Freeze-drying is one of the most advanced and effective methods of flower preservation. It involves freezing the flowers and then removing the water content through sublimation. This method allows flowers to maintain their original color, shape, and texture.
Steps:
Prepare the Flowers: Choose flowers that are freshly cut and in peak condition. Roses, orchids, and other delicate flowers are often freeze-dried.
Freeze the Flowers: Place the flowers in a freezer at temperatures below -40°F (-40°C).
Sublimate the Water: Use a freeze-drying machine to sublimate the water. This process can take several days and requires specialized equipment.
Finish the Process: Once the water has been removed, the flowers will be fully preserved and can be stored indefinitely without losing their shape, color, or texture.
Tip: Freeze-dried flowers are often used in high-end floral arrangements, luxury gifts, and preserved bouquets.
6. Hanging with a Preservative Solution (Herbarium Method)
The herbarium method is often used by botanists, but flower growers also use it to preserve flowers for scientific and artistic purposes. This method involves placing flowers in a special preservative solution to maintain their integrity while drying.
Steps:
Prepare the Solution: Make a mixture of water and a preservative solution, such as a 1:1 mixture of water and glycerin or a commercially available preservative.
Submerge the Flowers: Place the flowers in the solution for 2-3 days to allow them to soak up the liquid.
Hang and Dry: After soaking, remove the flowers and hang them upside down to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Tip: This method helps preserve the natural color and shape of the flowers and can be combined with other drying techniques for added longevity.
7. Wax Coating
Wax coating is a unique method of flower preservation where flowers are coated in a thin layer of wax to protect their shape, color, and texture. This method is often used for decorative purposes and can last for many years.
Steps:
Melt the Wax: Melt paraffin or beeswax in a double boiler until it becomes liquid.
Dip the Flowers: Gently dip each flower in the wax, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess wax to drip off.
Dry the Flowers: Hang the wax-coated flowers in a cool place to harden.
Tip: Wax-coated flowers are great for creating decorative arrangements and are often used in craft projects.
Flower preservation is a diverse field, with numerous techniques used around the world to keep flowers beautiful for extended periods. Whether you are preserving flowers for artistic arrangements, science, or simply to enjoy their beauty for longer, these methods—ranging from air drying to freeze-drying—offer flower growers a wide range of options to choose from. By selecting the appropriate preservation technique for each type of flower, growers can maintain the natural beauty and color of flowers for months or even years.
