Do Carnations Dry Well? Know the 8 Methods of Flower Drying and Preserving

Since carnation has little water, it dries well. The traditional method of drying carnations on the stems, which involves hanging them upside-down in a cool, dry, shady area, works well for arrangements or solitary decorations.

Drying the flowers, your bouquet, and the associated memories can be preserved. Here are some things to think about before you begin drying your flowers:

• Different flower colors dry with varying degrees of brightness. When using dried flowers in decorations, orange and yellow flowers retain their best color, while purple and blue flowers can dry dark.
• You may have dried flowers around the house, but drying flowers can be tricky. The drying process can take a while, and drying flowers isn’t as simple as drying fruits or vegetables.
• Most dried flowers dry out, lose their color, and even start to wilt. You need delicate drying flower supplies to dry flowers without affecting their beauty. This blog will cover how to dry carnation flowers effectively and preserve them for long-term storage.

8 Methods of Flower Drying and Preserving

Air-Drying

Drying flowers is a standard preservation method used for future use. It is an easy and cost-effective way to preserve flowers while preserving their beauty and aroma. There are several flower drying methods, including air drying, sun drying, and using a dehydrator. Air drying is the quickest method and results in the most delicate flowers. This method is best for preserving the delicate petals of flowers like roses or carnations. Sun drying is the most prolonged method and results in more vibrant flowers. It works best for flowers with deeper colors or more robust flavors, such as roses or carnations. Drying flower petals with a dryer can help ensure they remain crisp and dry. Dehydrators can be used to make both air-dried flowers more uniform and sun-dried flowers more consistent. Different methods for drying flower petals can help ensure they retain their beautiful color and shape after drying.

Pressing

In this process, remove the flowers from the vase and fill a bowl with water. The flowers should then be immersed in the water for about an hour. This helps remove any germs on them and makes them fresher.

After washing the flower, you can dry it using a press. You can use airy paper or a pan with warm air circulation. Leave it in the press for about 30 minutes to dry thoroughly.

When drying flowers using a press, let them dry completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will stop the flowers from losing their color and smell over time.

Besides using a press to dry flowers, you can also use a sunny window or an airy environment. Additionally, you can dry your carnation using a microwave or a sun-drying method.

In both cases, leave your carnation in the sun or inside a microwave for about 20 minutes before removing it from the heat source. Also, ensure that you do not leave your carnation too long in one place as this may cause damage to its color and shape.

Book Method

The book method is a simple and reliable way to dry flowers. It involves placing the flowers in a book with pages that can be turned to allow air circulation. When drying flowers using the book method, ensure that the pages are free of debris and moisture to help ensure good airflow.

The book method is an effective and fast way to dry flowers, which reduces the chance of fungal growth. It is also suitable for large quantities of flowers. The best way to dry flowers using the book method is by placing them in a container and covering them with paper towels or placing strips of paper towels over the dried flowers. This will help absorb excess moisture from the flower while maintaining good airflow. Drying flowers using the book method is an easy and reliable way to preserve their quality and beauty.

Microwave

The microwave is a quick and easy way to dry flowers. You only need some flower petals, parchment paper, or a microwave-safe container and your flowers. Simply place the petals on the parchment paper or in the container, cover with another piece of parchment if necessary, and microwave on high for 30 to 60 seconds. Be sure not to overheat your flowers, as this may damage them.

The microwave method is an effective way to dry flowers quickly without causing any damage. It is also suitable for small quantities of flowers so that they do not lose their color or smell over time.

Silica Gel

Silica gel is a shared drying agent in flower arrangements and other crafts. It’s made from silica, which is found in quartz crystals. Silica gel can absorb up to 90% water vapor without changing shape or color.

To use silica gel:

1. Moisten the flowers with water before packing them into the drying container.
2. Run the container under warm water for 10 minutes to soften the bouquet, then place it in a dry area within a temperature range of 80-90°F to dry.
3. For best results, replace dried flowers every two weeks while maintaining good air circulation throughout the container.

Preserving Flowers With Sand

Using dry sand as a drying agent is an old-fashioned way to preserve flowers. Simply spread the flowers out on a sheet of paper or cloth and sprinkle with enough dry sand to cover the flowers. Leave them uncovered for 10-14 days, remove excess sand, and store them in a cool, dark place.

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is a glue that seals flower petals together and retains flower colors. It is a powerful adhesive that can be used to preserve flowers. Clean the flowers and then soak them in epoxy resin and water. Once the flowers are soaked in the solution, put them in a container filled with rice and let them sit for three to four days. After the flowers have sat for three to four days, take them out and remove the excess solution. Finally, apply a coat of sealant to the flowers to protect them from moisture and dust.

You can use epoxy resin to seal petals after they’ve dried, which is helpful if you preserve petals for wedding bouquets or flower arrangements. Sealing petals after drying keeps them from drying out too quickly and preserves their shape and appearance. A few drops of water will cause petals sealed with epoxy resin to dissolve.

Hanging

To dry carnation petals:

1. Follow the steps outlined below.
2. Choose a location where the flowers will be exposed to as little direct sunlight as possible.
3. Position the flowers so they do not touch surfaces that might cause moisture to accumulate, such as water pipes or metal objects.

Also, hang the flowers using sturdy, rust-resistant wire hangers. Avoid using metal clamps or hooks, which can cause metal corrosion on the flower petals. When ready to dry, remove any wilted or dead flowers before hanging the rest of the bunch. This will help ensure that all the petals dry evenly and achieve optimal drying conditions.

Drying carnation petals takes roughly 2-3 days, depending on the weather and the type of carnation petals used.

How Long Do Dried Flowers Last?

When you purchase carnation flowers, you can expect them to last 3-6 months when stored in a cool, dry place. If you want to keep your flowers longer, you can freeze or refrigerate them. However, dried flowers can be incorporated into wedding bouquets or other arrangements. You can also make flower water by soaking dried carnation flowers in cold water overnight. If you have any questions about how to dry carnation flowers, please get in touch with us; we’d be happy to help.