Dry Flower Technology

Article by :Lehitha munasa

Introduction

Drying of flowers is a method of preservation of flowers or the method of removing moisture from the flowers. Dry flowers constitute more than two-thirds of the total floriculture exports. Dry flowers can be used to prepare value added products like greetings card, floral balls, wall hangings etc.

what is the process of drying flowers called?

Freeze dried flowers are fresh flowers that have been specially dried to preserve their natural shape and color. Freeze drying is accomplished by a process called sublimation.

Scope of dry flowers in India 

India stands first in dry flower export owing to the availability of variety of plants. Dry flowers don't mean only flower parts, but also includes dried shoots, seeds, barks etc. Export of dried flowers and plants from India is about Rs 100 crore per year. The industry exports 500 varieties of flowers to 20 countries.

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Techniques in dry flower making

Dry flower production involves two imporatant steps.

1. Drying
2. Dyeing

Drying

Flowers should be cut in the morning hours after the dew has evaporated from the plants. Once cut, group stems into bunch using rubber bands and remove them from the sunlight as soon as possible.

Sun drying

Sun drying is the easy and cheap method. But during rainy days we can’t dry flowers in this method.

• The flower bunches are hanged upside down in ropes or in bamboo splits
• No chemicals are used. Good aeration is must.
• Chances of fungal attack is very high in this method

Freeze drying

• The freeze drying equipments are costlier. But the quality of the dried flower is very high and fetches good price
• It is improved method over sun drying

Pressing

• Either blotting paper or ordinary papers are used.
• The flowers will become flat and there is chance of higher amount of damage to the flowers.

Glycerin method

• Glycerin is filled after removing the moisture from the flowers
• Very high quality products are obtained in this method

Polyset polymer

• By spraying polyset polymer flowers get dried.
• Drying time is very less in this method
• It improves the color of the final product

Silica driers

• Using Silica or Silica gel, we can improve the quality of flowers and it makes the flowers intact.
• Very delicate flowers and plants are dried in this method.

Dyeing

• “Procion” type colour is best for dry flowers.
• Take 4 kg of dye-powder and mix with 20 litres of water.
• Dilute this solution in 800 litres of hot water.
• Mix 2 litres of acetic acid.
• For very soft flowers add Magnesium Chloride to enhance the color.
• Soak the dried flowers until they absorb the colour .

Dry flower handicrafts

• The latest development in dry flower market.
• Framed dry flower pictures, greeting cards, covers, bouquets, candle stands, glass bowls are made using different colored dry flower materials.

Dry flower uses

They are widely used to make handmade paper, lampshades, candle holders, jute bags, photo frames, boxes, books, wall quilts, topiary, cards and several gifts. The use of dry flowers in the making of these products enhances the appearance and beauty of these products.