In the world of floristry, the beauty of flowers isn't limited to their fresh, blooming state. Dried flowers hold a unique charm and allow florists to expand the season, limite wastage and therefore turn more of a profit.
As a flower farmer wastage is one of the biggest drains on your profit. Having to put flowers and sell them immediately is not always possible and you will often be literally throwing revenue on the compost heap. The ability to harvest flowers when they are at their peak and then store or preserve them for sale at a later date can be the difference between a thriving, profitable business and one that is constantly struggling to make ends meet.
Here are my top 10 best flowers for drying:
1.Strawflower (Helichrysum) - Naturally dry and papery petals retain shape and color well. Cut when most of the blooms have just opened and hang upside down to dry .
2. Lavender - Retains color and fragrance well. Cut when most of the blooms have just opened. Can be dried in a vase or upside down.
3. Hydrangeas - Large, voluminous blooms dry beautifully. Cut when most of the blooms have just opened. Dry in a vase with a little water in the bootom - do not top up with water, Allow the blooms to dehydrate slowly and then hand upside down to finish drying.
4. Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila) - Delicate, airy appearance is maintained. Cut when most of the blooms have just opened. Can be dried in a vase or upside down.
5. Statice (Limonium) - Vibrant colors and sturdy structure. Cut when most of the blooms have just opened.Can be dried in a vase or upside down.
6. Eucalyptus - Retains shape and fragrance, and dries to a beautiful matt shade. Cut when stems are mature and hang upside down to dry
7. Larkspur (Delphinium) - Tall spikes with multiple blooms maintain their form and color. Cut when three quaters of the blooms have just opened and hang upside down to dry .
8. Lagarous Ovatus - Beatifull fluffy shape which always wows clients. Cut when the fluffy seed pods are mature and hang upside down to dry.
9. Dahlias - An unusual flower for drying with spidery qualities for rustic arrangements. Cut when blooms are fully open and hang upside down to dry. Dark and vibrant colours work best as the petals will brown with age.
10. Lepidium - Maintains it's shape a lovely airiness. Cut when seed pods are fully formed and hang upside down to dry.
11. Nigella - Has the most beutiful seed pods. Cut when seed pods are fully formed and hang upside down to dry. Seeds can be removed by shakig pods upside down into a paper bag.
12. Poppies - Great structure and beautiful seeds pods. Cut when seed pods are fully formed and hang upside down to dry. Seeds can be removed by shakig pods upside down into a paper bag.
13. Tanacetum - Maintains its colour and has a lovely scent. Cut when flower heads are fully formed and hang upside down to dry.
14. Celosia - There are so many variants available which give different structure. Cut when flower heads are fully formed and hang upside down to dry. Will brown with age so best used as early as possible.
15. Daucus Carota - Seed pods have the most beautiful shape once closed. Cut when seed pods are fully formed and hang upside down to dry.
16. Scabiosa Stellata ( Sternkugel) - Unusual seed pods which resemble tinly shuttlecocks. Cut when seed pods are fully formed and still a little green, hang upside down to dry.
17. Scabious - Unusual seed pods. Cut when seed pods are fully formed and hang upside down to dry.
18. Briza - These add bounce and movement to bouquets. Cut when seed pods are fully formed and hang upside down to dry.
19. Globe Thistle - Spiky but soft at the same time and such a beautiful colour. Cut when flower heads are fully frmed just before they fully mature.
20. Yarrow - With beautiful pastel shades or golden yelow - great for autum. Cut when flower heads are fully formed and hang upside down to dry.
Preserving dried flowers requires more than just leaving them out to dry though. To truly make the most of these delicate botanicals, it's essential to understand how to store dried flowers.
When to Cut Flowers
The first step in ensuring the longevity of your dried flowers is knowing the optimal time to cut them. To capture flowers at their prime for drying, it's best to harvest them when they are just about to bloom. At this stage, the flowers have reached their full color and are rich in oils, making them ideal for drying. Avoid picking flowers that are past their prime, as they may not retain their color and shape as effectively during the drying process.
How to Store Dried Flowers
Once you've harvested your flowers, the next crucial step is determining the right storage space.
When it comes to storing dried flowers, a cool, dark, and dry environment is key.
Choose a location away from direct sunlight, as exposure to light can cause the colors of dried flowers to fade over time.
Additionally, humidity can lead to mold or decay, so opt for a well-ventilated area with low moisture levels to preserve the integrity of your dried blooms.
Most flowers benefit from being dried upside down to maintain their shape and prevent flattening.
Pests like insects can damage dried flowers. Inspect stored flowers periodically and use insect repellent sachets if necessary. Mice are partticularly partial to eating seed pods and devour a whole crop. Leaving them hung will help to prevent this.
Dust can accumulate and dull the appearance of dried flowers. Gently dust flowers before use with a soft brush or use a hairdryer on a cool, low setting.
Storing dried flowers requires a little attention to detail, but by cutting flowers at the right time, choosing the appropriate storage location, and utilizing the correct storage methods a well-preserved dried flower collection can keep you going all winter long.
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