International Journal of Farm Sciences 1(2) : 1-16, 2011

Flower drying techniques - A review

BS DILTA, BP SHARMA, HS BAWEJA and BHARATI KASHYAP*

Department of Floriculture and Landscaping

*Directorate of Extension Education
Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP

ABSTRACT

In the present era of eco-consciousness, use of natural products like dry flowers and their parts has
become the premier choice of the masses in their lifestyles for interior decoration. Future prospects
of the dry flower industry are expected to contribute a lot to the countrys economy in comparison
to the fresh cut flowers and other live plants. Dry flowers and plant materials have tremendous
potential as substitute for fresh flowers and foliage for interior decoration as well as for a variety of
other aesthetic and commercial uses. In this review the scattered information and data on drying of
flowers and other ornamental plant parts are being compiled which would be useful for further
studies. This can eventually be helpful in drawing the attention of the researchers and scientists to
work on it, besides the entrepreneurs who would be directly benefitted by utilizing the knowledge
review in this paper.

Keywords: Dry flowers, dehydration, drying techniques

INTRODUCTION botanists for the purpose of identification

of various species (Prasad et al 1997). In
Flowers have always remained an The Florist published in 1860, author
integral part of mans life and love for natural describes the techniques of drying red rose,
flowers is an inherent instinct . pansies, stock and other single flowers in
sand. Though drying of flowers was well
Fresh flowers though quite known even in the past but for the first time
attractive, are very expensive and short lived the flowers were dried commercially in
as well as available only during a particular Germany (Jean and Lesley 1982). Dried
season. Dried flower products on the other and preserved ornamental products offer a
hand are long lasting and retain their aesthetic wide range of qualities like novelty, longevity,
value irrespective of the season (Malcolm aesthetic properties, flexibility and year
1994).The art of flower drying is a very age round availability (Joyce 1998). Dried
old practice. Earlier dried flowers were in ornamental plant parts are generally less
practice in the form of herbarium made by expensive and are sought for their
 Dilta et al

everlasting and attractive appearance 2.66 per cent (Singh 2009).The Indian
(Smith 2000). Only few research and export basket comprises of 71 per cent of
development projects have been dry flowers which are exported to USA,
undertaken on the dried flower industry Europe, Japan, Australia, far East and
across the globe in contrast to other areas Russia. Dry flowers constitute more than
of floriculture (Joyce 1998). Numerous two-thirds of the total floriculture exports.
workers have described varied The demand for dry flowers is increasing at
approaches/methods to dehydrate or dry an impressive rate of 8-10 per cent annually
flowers and other ornamental plant parts thus offering a lot of opportunities for the
(Bhutani 1995, Dubois and Joyce1989, Indian entrepreneurs to enter in the global
Westland1995). Drying of flowers and floricultural trade (Singh 2009).The range
foliage by various methods like air drying, of dried flowers and other attractive plant
sun drying, oven and microwave oven parts is quite extensive, namely stems, roots,
drying, freeze drying and embedded drying shoots, buds, flowers, inflorescences, fruits,
can be used for making decorative floral fruiting shoots, cones, seeds, foliage,bracts,
crafts items like cards, floral segments, wall thorns, barks, lichens, fleshy fungi, mosses,
hangings, landscapes, calendars, potpourris sellaginellas etc ( Desh Raj 2001). A number
etc for various purposes (Bhutani 1990, of flowers respond well to drying techniques
Bhalla and Sharma 2002) with potpourris such as anemone, zinnia, allium,
being the major segment of drying flower sweetwilliam, carnation, stock, freesia,
industry valuing at Rs 55 crore in India alone narcissus, chrysanthemum, pansy, daffodils,
(Murugan et al 2007). Dried flowers are a marigold, rose, lilies etc (Rogers 1988) and
good standby for the florists, since designs foliage like ferns, aspidistra, eucalyptus,
can be made up during the slack periods ivy, laurel, magnolia and mahonia etc
and arrangements can be displayed where (Rogers 1967, Healy1986). Kashyap et al
fresh flowers are unsuitable from the (2007) have enlisted many wild as well as
growers point of view and the price is less cultivated flowers and foliage which can be
than for equivalent fresh flowers (Salinger used for dry flower making. Dehydrated
1987).The demand for dry flowers and plant parts may be arranged aesthetically
attractive plant parts, dried floral and covered with plastic or transparent glass
arrangements and floral crafts has increased to protect them from atmospheric humidity,
manifold during the last decade. In the wind and dust. (Datta 1997, Bhattacharjee
recent floriculture trade, the exports from and De 2003). Saleable articles like paper
India during 2002-2007 grew from Rs 266 weights, pendants and table pieces can be
crore during 2002-2003 to Rs 302 crore made by embedding the dry flowers in
during 2003-2004 and Rs 273 crore during transparent blocks or sheets (Kher and
2004-2005 to achieve a growth rate of Bhutani 1979).

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 Flower drying techniques

Therefore, dry flowers score over (Sangama 2004). Safeena et al (2006a)

the cut flowers that often decorate homes reported that flowers harvested at half
and offices because of their ability to remain bloom stage took minimum time for drying.
decorative for longer periods almost Faster dehydration may be due to the
definitely with less care (Zizzo and Foscella reason that flowers lose moisture as
1999). harvesting time is delayed due to sensitivity
of the flower tissues to ethylene, or other
Type of crop and variety hydrolyzing enzymes and senescence also
(Kofranek and Halevy 1972).
Selection of a suitable crop for Lourduswamy et al (2003) reported that
drying purpose is very important for the full bloom of gomphrena and both, half as
success of the industry (Mishra et al 2003). well as full bloom of French marigold and
Some of the flowers lose their ornamental zinnia are the ideal harvest stages for dry
value after drying. Sweet pea flowers when flower production.
pressed dry lose their colour and become
dark brown which is not suitable for further Moisture content after drying
use (Jean and Lesley 1982). The quality of
dry flowers also varies with cultivar of a Moisture content in the flowers after
particular crop. In helichrysum, although its drying influences flower shape. The lower
petals are hard but lose its shape after moisture content provides rigidity and
drying, petals reflex downward and centre results in uniform cell contraction in the
disc florets shed. This characterstic is flowers while the higher moisture content in
encountered with yellow cultivars than the dried flowers lead to flaccid flowers. Chen
rest (Sangama 2004). et al (2000) reported stronger and stiffer
petal in dried flowers having low moisture
Stage of harvesting content. Mechanical support provided by
the media throughout the drying process
The stage of harvesting for different ensures well maintained flower shape
flowers varies according to the species and provided the moisture content remains
the form of flower desired (Paul and Shylla below11.55 per cent. In addition, the
2002). However, usually flowers are moisture content in the dried flowers also
harvested just before they are fully open influences longevity and is inversely
and the colour has not faded proportional to longevity (Pandey 2001).
(Padmavathamma 1999). Flowers A range of 8-11.5 per cent moisture content
harvested at fully open stage took lesser in the dried flowers will ensure good quality
time for drying than those harvested at tight and firmness and maintains keeping quality
bud and half open stage of helichrysum for more than six months. Excessive drying

3
 Dilta et al

of flowers resulted into petal shedding attached to rope/wire and are kept in
during handling (Singh 2004). Drying below hanging position either in dark or in the sun
8 per cent moisture content showed for quick drying. Air drying requires a warm
shedding effect which might be attributed clean dark and well ventilated area with low
to excessive loss in moisture, that might humidity (Raghupathy et al 2000). Flowers
have resulted into weakened adhesion and may also be spread over blotting sheets/
cohesion forces in flower tissue and might news papers and kept in dark or in the sun
have caused softening of the middle lamella (Datta 1997). Bryan (1992) reported air
leading to abscission. Paparozzi and drying as the earliest method to dry rose,
McCallister (1988) observed rapid tissue larkspur, statice and straw flower. For air
desiccation in microwave dried statice drying flowers of good quality, a slightly
flowers. Similarly Wilkins and Desborough immature stage should be selected and
(1986) observed vulnerability of flowers to thereafter stripped off the foliage and hung
breakage in vacuum dried flowers. upside down in a warm dark area. The
weak flowers, if any, are to be wired before
Techniques of flower drying drying (Perry 1996). Evelyn (1997) carried
out air drying in dusty rooms by placing the
The quality and appearance of dried flowers inside a perforated paper bag to
flowers and other ornamental plant parts is promote air circulation. Crisp textured
greatly influenced by the method of drying flowers of helichrysum and statice can be
or the drying technique being followed. easily dried either by hanging them in an
Various techniques involved for the inverted position or by keeping them in a
production of dried ornamental plant container positioned erect till they get
material includes air drying, press drying, desiccated (Bhutani 1995, Susan 1990).
embedded drying, oven drying and freeze Kumar and Parmar (1998) found that air
drying etc. The NBRI, Lucknow is a drying in shade is applicable during dry
pioneer institute in India which works on season and summer particularly for flowers
the dehydration of flowers, foliage and floral such as acroclinum, helichrysum and
crafts. Various dehydration techniques have limonium. Other crisp textured flowers like
been developed by which flowers, twigs, anaphilis, delphinium, oregano, rumex and
branches, foliage etc retain their fresh look holmskioldia etc can also be dried by air
for several months or years (Mishra et al drying (Deshraj 2006) Flowers hung in a
2003). dark area took 8-10 days for drying when
there is sufficient ventilation (Champoux
Air drying 1999). Only gypsophilla, gomphrena and
statice flowers dried well by hang dry
The air drying is a very common method in a dark room out of the 30
method of drying where plant materials are cultivars of 16 plant species tested in drying

4
 Flower drying techniques

(MacPhail 1997). Rose bunches could be sheets or blotting papers giving some space
hung dried in shade within 5-10 days among flowers. These sheets are kept one
(Seaberg 1997). Smith (1993) reported that above the other and corrugated boards of
flowers like strawflower, globe amaranth, the same size are placed in between the
salvia, chrysanthemum and many other of folded sheets so as to allow the water
the everlastings can be picked up for air vapour to escape (Bhutani 1990). The
drying in the bud stage or partially opened, drying time can be reduced if the sheets are
as they continue to open while drying and kept in oven at an appropriate temperature
some other are picked when they are fully (Datta 1997). However, Prasad et al
mature. Sell (1993) suggested various (1997) added that shapes of the material
rooms/areas for drying the flowers and cannot be maintained as it becomes flattened
reported that rooms with 75 per cent or because the fresh material after pressing
more relative humidity should be avoided within the iron or wooden frame tends to
as they encourage the mould growth which stick to the paper used. Further, the
spoils the flowers. Flower heads of microbial attack is a common feature
hydrangea and gypsophilla can be dried by because the moisture and cellulose of the
putting their stems in a little water (Westland paper serve as the potential substrate for
1995). Water drying, which usually seems the sporulation and growth of these
like a contradiction in terms, gives fairly good organisms. Though the flowers and foliages
results with flowers, eg hydrangeas, become flat after press drying, yet this
cornflower, gypsophilla and a few others material can be used for composing floral-
(Desh Raj 2006). Pertuit (2002) observed craft items like greeting cards, floral designs
that flowers dried by air drying are and other art creations which may be framed
extremely stiff once dried. Blue and yellow for wall pin-ups (Bhutani 1990). Gill et al
flowers retain their colour when air dried (2002) reported the time required for press
but pink flowers fade. According to White drying of different flower crops and they
et al (2002) more fleshy flowers and foliage concluded that rose, carnation and
took more time for drying. helichrysum required 120, 132 and 72
hours, respectively, for press drying. Kher
Press drying and Bhutani (1979) found that press drying
in oven at 35-39C for 48 hours was
Press drying is thought to have been optimum for pansy, whereas, 24 hours for
first reported in 1820. Later it was used by the leaves of silver oak, thuja, adiantum,
the herbalists or botanists for the nephrolepis and flowers of hibiscus,
preparation of herbarium (Lawrence 1969). haemotoxylon, calliandra, marigold and
In press drying, the flowers and foliage are Cassia biflora. A temperature of 40-44C
placed between the folds of newspaper for 24 hours was optimum for Euphorbia

5
 Dilta et al

leucocephala, Galphimia nitida, Lantana shrinkage and changes in morphology of the

camara, Lantana depressa and Lantana dehydrated ornamental plant material during
montevidensis while it was 45-49C for hang-drying mainly due to loss of moisture
flowers of Ixora sp and Mussaenda sp. from the cells . The flowers and foliage are
Lourdusamy et al (2001) described press to be embedded very carefully in various
drying as the earliest method of preserving desiccants such as sand or silica gel in a
flowers and suggested that flowers like suitable container during air drying to avoid
candytuft, chrysanthemum, lantana, rose, shrinkage and other morphological changes
verbena, euphorbia and leaves like thuja, (Datta 1997). Embedding in deep
ferns, silver-oaks, etc are suitable for press containers can accommodate the plant
drying. Datta (1997) reported that original material without disturbing its shape and
shape of the material cannot be maintained form in plant materials like bougainvillea,
by this method but the original colour is candytuft, chrysanthemum, dahlia
maintained. Lissy (1999) suggested the (pompon), gerbera, marigold and roses etc
application of water based varnish over the (Bhutani1990, Bhutani 1995). Singh et al
entire pressed picture to avoid fading of (2004) found that drying of zinnia flowers
original colour. in sand resulted in good quality of dried
flowers with attractive flower colour and
Embedded drying smooth petal texture. Orduno and Baltazar
(1995) mentioned that silica gel was not
Sand , borax, silica gel, sawdust, actually a gel but granular in shape like sugar.
perlite and combination of these are used It is called gel only because it is a xerogel
as media for embedding. Among these , of silicic acid. Bhutani (1993) reported that
sand and borax are cheaper but they take embedding in silica gel was perhaps the
more time for drying. For delicate flowers easiest and the best method of embedded
like roses, dahlia, carnation etc, silica gel is drying of flowers. Silica gel is composed of
the ideal drying agent (Prasad et al 1997). a vast network of interconnecting
Desiccant method is the useful method for microscopic pores, which attract and hold
delicate flowers that may fall apart when moisture by a phenomenon known as
air dried as recommended by Thomler physical adsorption and capillary
(1997). Among the desiccants like sand, condensation. Through by this phenomenon,
cornmeal, borax and silica gel used, silica it acted as a dehydrating agent (Safeena et
gel has been found to be the best. al 2006b). Silica gel has been reported to
Champoux (1999) reported silica gel as the be the fastest acting desiccant (Neave
best medium for getting excellent dried 1996). Trinklein (2000) reported that since
flowers that retain colour and shape. Desh silica gel dried flowers quickly, so more
Raj (2006) found that it is difficult to avoid flowers could be moved in and out of the

6
 Flower drying techniques

mixture during a single season. Paul and deterioration in quality; however, there was
Shylla (2002) while reviewing the efficacy slight roughness in petal texture which was
of different desiccants for flower drying aesthetically accepted. Bhalla et al (2006)
concluded that though silica gel was an studied the different methods of drying of
expensive desiccant but could be recycled chrysanthemum (Dendranthema
for reuse. The crystals were blue when dry grandiflorum Tzvelev) and reported that
and turned pink after absorbing moisture. flowers dried in microwave oven after
If silica gel was to be reused again, it should embedding in silica gel gave the best results
be warmed up in an oven till the crystals in terms of retention of colour and shape.
turned blue. Desh Raj and Gupta (2003) Dhatt et al (2007) studied the methods of
reported that silica gel (60-120 mesh) was drying of rose buds and found that silica gel
the best absorbent for removing moisture embedding of rose buds had the best quality
from flowers and foliage followed by boric with respect to colour and shape.
acid (granules). Pertuit (2002) reported that Bhattacharjee and De (2003) suggested
silica gel is appropriate for drying flowers that borax and alum being light in weight
with closely packed petals such as rose. could be used for dehydration of flowers.
Sandhu (2002) described and Borax being hygroscopic in nature might
recommended silica gel embedding as the bleach flower petals if embedded for a long
more appropriate method for proper colour time (Datta 1997). Smith (1993) reported
retention of helichrysum and statice. Gill et that flowers like rose, aster, carnation,
al (2002) found that embedding of rose, marigold, dahlia, larkspur, geranium, zinnia,
carnation, fern and silver-oak in silica gel chrysanthemum and delphinium could be
produced good results, while, embedding dried well in borax. Orduno and Baltazar
helichrysum in silica gel and sand (1995) studied the effects of river or sea
combination was also satisfactory. Drying sand in combination with borax on drying
was found much faster with silica gel and of rose, carnation and gerbera and reported
borax in comparison to sand due to the that rose and carnation dried well in river
strong hygroscopic nature of silica gel and sand containing a high proportion of borax
borax which lead to rapid removal of within 15-20 days period, while sea sand
moisture from flowers (Singh et al 2003). with a low proportion of borax for 10-15
Sell (1993) reported that a mixture of borax days resulted in better dried gerberas.
and corn meal (1:1 v/v) for embedding and Mixing of silica gel crystals or dry river sand
drying of chrysanthemum and dahlia flowers to 2 or 3 parts alum or borax to overcome
produced good results. Effect of different the problems of sticking of the media, when
media on dehydration of zinnia was studied either of them was used alone (Westland
by Singh et al (2004) who reported that 1995). Singh et al (2003) found that drying
drying in silica gel was faster without any of zinnia flowers was much faster with silica

7
 Dilta et al

gel and borax. Paul and Shylla (2002) content was maximum when flowers were
reviewed that both borax and alum were embedded in borax and were dried for 3.30
best suited for delicate flowers such as minutes in microwave oven. The maximum
anemones, cosmos, larkspur and presentibility till 120 days was observed in
ornithogalum, etc. Singh et al (2004) flowers embedded in the mixture of sand
reported that media influenced both flower and borax and kept in microwave oven for
colour as well as texture. Drying with sand 3.30 minutes compared to other treatments.
provided smooth petal texture while with
silica gel, a slight roughness and with borax Oven drying
more roughness were recorded. Alleman
(1994) reported that silica gel crystals Now a days hot air and microwave
could be used for drying roses. The self ovens are also being used for faster drying
indicating nature of silica gel ensured the and to improve the quality of dry flowers.
moisture content by exhibiting blue colour In these methods, plant material is kept at
when dry and pink/white, when it regains controlled temperature for a specified time
moisture from flowers. Sujatha et al (2001) typical of the plant species.Temperature
reported that borax crystals and sand in plays an important role in the drying of
the ratio of 1:1 volume by volume basis flowers and other ornamental plant parts
was the best combination as it helped to by influencing both qualitative and
regain brightness and colour. Among the quantitative parameters. At higher
various dessicants used to dry Indian blue temperature, as proposed by Mayak and
water lily flowers, fine sand was the best Halevy (1980), the rate of transpiration was
(Geetha et al 2002). Fine sand has been comparatively much higher. With the
found to be the best material for increase in temperature, diffusion pressure
embedding because it is easy to handle, deficit of air increases which stimulates
heavy and doesnt react with water vapour diffusion of internal moisture surface and
(Datta 2001). Behera (2009) conducted further increases its vaporization rate, thus
an experiment to find out suitable drying leading to high moisture loss at higher
technique, media, temperature and duration temperature. Singh et al (2004) studied the
for rose cv First Red. Cut flowers at half effects of different temperature treatments
bloom stage with 10 cm long stem were on drying of zinnia (Zinnia elegans) and
embedded in five drying media namely reported that higher the temperature, more
sand, silica gel, borax, mixture of sand and faster would be the dehydration process
silica gel (50:50 v/v) and mixture of sand owing to the fact that drying of flowers at
and borax (50:50 v/v). After embedding, higher temperature would accelerate
flowers were given different temperature degradation of all pigments viz chlorophylls,
and exposure duration treatments in hot air carotenes, xanthophylls and anthocyanins.
oven and microwave oven. The anthocyanin Similar reports of rapid drying at higher

8
 Flower drying techniques

temperature have been documented by reduced in the dehydrated parts as

Chen et al (2000). Khafaga and Kock compared to control without any change in
(1980) in Hibiscus sabdariffa var length and diameter of floral parts. Safeena
sabdariffa recorded higher degradation of et al (2006b) studied the response of drying
anthocyanins at higher temperature. Prasad in hot air oven at different temperatures
et al (1997) observed that fully opened (30C, 40C and 50C) on the quality of
flowers were not suitable for oven drying. rose (Skyline, Lambada, Ravel and First
Oven drying of china aster flowers using Red) and found that drying of dutch rose
white sand as the medium was the best for flowers at 40C by embedding in silica gel
retention of original colour, shape and gave the best results for colour, texture and
texture of dried flowers (Raju and Jayanthi appearance. Dahiya (2003) reported that
2002). At 45-490C, French marigold took the best quality dried flowers of
72 hours and African marigold 96 hours for chrysanthemum could be obtained by
drying (Ranjan and Misra 2002). Kher and embedding them in silica gel and keeping
Bhutani (1979) advocated 35-39C them at 50C for 48 hours in the hot air
temperature as optimum for bougainvillea oven. Bassapa et al (1991) found that
(48 hours) and pompon dahlias and narcissi helichrysum flowers dried in a room and in
(72 hours). Temperature of 40-44C for open sun retained their colour intensity for
Aerva javanica, Callistephus chinensis, longer duration as compared to 40C and
Euphorbia leucocephala, Delphinium 50C oven dried flowers. Venugopal and
ajacis, Mina lobata, rose buds and Zinnia Patil (2000) observed that helichrysum
linearis (48 hours), Tagetes patula and flowers when dried at room temperature
medium and large rose flowers (72 hours), under shade and subsequently oven dried
gladiolus and very large rose flower (96 at 50C retained the colour intensity for
hours) and 45-49C for Helipterum 150-180 days. Dahiya (2003) found that
roseum, small flowered perennial the weight and moisture content of dried
chrysanthemum, candytuft, dombeya, flowers decreased significantly with an
gerbera, gomphrena, helichrysum and increase in the temperature of the hot air
statice (48 hours), Tagetes erecta ( 96 oven and duration of drying. He also
hours) and for water lily (120 hours). reported that the carotenoids content of
Pandya et al (2001) studied the effects of chrysanthemum decreased with the increase
drying on chrysanthemum flowers in a hot in the temperature and duration in the hot
air oven at 40C for 35-50 hours in sand air oven. Singh et al (2002) reported
as an embedding medium. They reported minimum degradation of zinnia flower
that the colour and structure of the floral pigments (chlorophyll, carotenes,
parts showed no change, whereas, total xanthophylls and anthocyanins) in room
chlorophyll content was significantly dried flowers, whereas, it was maximum

9
 Dilta et al

at 50C in hot air oven. Bhutani (1990) drying was more suited for cluster of florets
advocated the use of microwave oven for such as golden rod, gypsophilla and corn
drying of plant material. The principle of flower. Anemones, chrysanthemum,
drying is based on liberation of moisture by marigold, roses, pansies, paeonis are best
agitating water molecules present in organic suited to this method (Bull 1999).
substances with the help of electronically According to Miller (1997), large roses
produced microwaves. Drying is required two and a half minutes to dry. Dhatt
unbelievably fast in microwave oven, when et al (2007) dried rose buds in microwave
flowers and foliage are embedded in fine oven for 3 minutes, 4 minutes and 5 minutes,
silica gel contained in non-metallic and found that microwave drying of rose
earthenware or glassware (Bhutani 1995). buds for 4 minutes exhibited good colour
Datta (1997) observed microwave oven and good shape retention. Rothenberger
drying was the most suitable method to (2000) advocated a cup of water in the oven
dehydrate the white flowers of Jubilee before starting helps to prevent excessive
cultivar of chrysanthemum. Paparozzi and drying. Microwave oven dried flower petals
McCallister (1988) concluded that fresh cut should be sprayed with hair spray or
statice stems up to 34 cm long preserved lacquer to prevent absorption of air
well by soaking in a 1:2 or 1:3 glycerol: moisture. White et al (2002) reported that
water for 48 hours, followed by drying for microvwave oven dried flowers looked
1 minutes at 340C. Zhang (2000) while fresh and more colourful than obtained by
comparing the mechanism of microwave, other methods.
airflow and microwave-air flow mechanism
on drying of chrysanthemum, found that Glycerine drying
microwave airflow combined drying was
effective in reducing the drying time and Glycerine drying has been used by
improving the quality of the dried flowers, several workers especially to preserve
thereby, enhancing the selling price by 5- foliage. It was comparatively less expensive
10 times higher as compared to traditional and has a high water attracting capacity
drying. Aravinda and Jayanthi (2004) (Joyce 1998). Many types of foliage have
standardized the drying techniques like been successfully preserved by either
microwave drying, oven drying and sun immersing leaves or placing crushed stems
drying for chrysanthemum (Button type in a 33 per cent glycerol solution. The
local) flowers. Microwave drying with silica resultant leaves are soft and flexible (Dana
gel gave the best results for shape while 1983).Westland (1995) reported that
oven drying with white sand was found best preserving foliage and berries in glycerine
for colour and overall acceptability. Thomler and hot water solution brought them into
(1997) reported that microwave oven almost everlasting category. In glycerine

10
 Flower drying techniques

drying, the quality of the product was good Freeze drying

as moisture in flower was replaced by a
mixture of water and glycerine (Paul and The most effective method of flower
Shylla 2002). The use of glycerine in drying preservation is freeze drying. Freeze drying
is reported to be successful with most relies on the principle of sublimation,
foliages. Semant et al (1993) observed that whereby ice held under conditions of partial
one part of glycerine mixed with 2 parts of vacuum (less than 4.58 torr) and low
hot water was the ideal mixture for twigs of temperature (less than 0C) will evaporate
26 plant species to absorb at room on heating without going through a liquid
temperature. The material should remain in phase. The absence of liquid water during
soloution until full absorption has taken the dehydration process means that
place. Glycerine serves as a good source undesirable chemical reactions will not
for micro-organisms, so a pinch of antibiotic occur. Hence, colour and even fragrance
is necessary to prevent microbial growth in are retained in the dried article (Dubois and
the dried specimens (Prasad et al 1997). Joyce 1989). In this process, the flowers
Sell (1993) used glycerine : hot water (1:2 are placed into a refrigerated chamber and
v/v) to preserve magnolia stems. He the temperature of the chamber is lowered
reported that mature leaves responded well below freezing. A vacuum is then created
to this treatment as they translocated the in the chamber, causing the moisture in the
solution readily to stems. Verey (1994) flowers to sublimate, or change from solid
found that glycerinizing replaced the water to gaseous form. The water vapor is then
content of leaves giving them a strong and collected in a separate chamber and the
pliable nature. This method is found more dried flowers are allowed to slowly warm
suitable for eucalyptus, hydrangea, ivy and to room temperature. This process takes
magnolia. Paparozzi and McCallister several days (Trinklein 2006). Brown
(1988) reported that glycerol and (1999) has conducted freeze drying with
microwave preservation of annual statice different varieties of roses and carnation and
maintained flexibility of the flower without determined the freezing time and
the greasy feeling which was generally temperature at which drying was perfect to
observed in glycerol preservation. Healey keep the quality of flowers. Bridal bouquets
(1986) preserved the foliage of different could be preserved without any damage by
ornamental plants for different intervals and the technique of flower drying (Ruth 2000).
reported that Aspidistra spp took 12 weeks Chen et al (2000) evaluated the effect of
followed by Fatsia japonica (7-10 different freezing time (2 and 4 hours),
weeks), Mahonia spp (3-6 weeks), freezing temperature (-35C) and vacuum
Magnolia spp (3-4 weeks) and minimum drying temperature (27C, 37C, 47C) on
2-weeks by Eucalyptus spp. colour, moisture content, stem and petal

11
 Dilta et al

strength of roses and carnations. Lower flower chamber of freeze drier was
vacuum drying temperatures resulted in increased from -5F to 25F with an interval
flowers with colour closer to fresh flowers. of 5F each. Maximum moisture loss and
Bhattacharjee and De (2003) reported that maximum total sugars content was obtained
several cultivars of carnation flowers were in the flowers which were dried in freeze
successfully cryo dried and remained drier (Behera 2009).
naturalistic in appearance after being placed
in freeze drier (-20C) for 7 days. Liang et REFERENCES
al (2005) studied the application of freeze
drying and microwave drying to China rose Alleman E 1994. Heretostay from The Rose Ette.
Website: http://www.houstonrose.org/
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Received : 9.2.2011 Accepted: 18.4.2011

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