Dry Flowers
Dry Flowers to prolong the enjoyment of
your favorite flowers.
Basic Procedure
Most plants dry best when tied in bunches and hung upside down. Make sure
the plants are dry when you tie them, and remove all leaves, unless they
also dry well. Tie 6 to 10 stems together about two inches from the stem
ends, or use a rubber band to fasten them together. Your plants are thoroughly
dry when the stems snap easily. This can take up to three weeks. To strengthen
you dried flowers, spray them with clear lacquer, hair spray or clear
craft spray.
Air Drying
To air dry flowers all you need is a.warm, dry place with adequate air.circulation.
Attics, potting sheds and.garages are ideal. Baby's breath, poppy seed-heads
and globe thistles dry better right-side up. Place the plants in a wide-mouth
jar or coffee can to dry. When drying hydrangeas, yarrows, alliums, bells-of-Ireland
and heather, place them.right-side up in a container with about 1/2-inch
of water in the bottom. As the plants dry the.water will evaporate. Because
they are top-heavy, it's best to dry fennel, dill, and Queen-Anne's-lace
by.placing the stems through the holes in 1/4-inch hardware cloth. The
hardware cloth will support.the heavy heads, while the stems hang loosely
below.
Microwave
Drying
You will have to test a few plants to determine the drying time. Two minutes
set on "high" is a.good starting point. Put the plant material
inside folded paper towels, and place a dish on top of.them to keep the
leaves and petals from curling. Place a small dish of water in the microwave.with
the flowers.
Desiccant
Drying
Flowers dried in desiccants retain the best color and shape. Silica desiccants
are the most popular, and can be purchased at hobby and craft stores.
Follow the package directions for best results. |
