Question

List any four methods used for drying flowers and explain any one method of flower drying.

Hint:

Common methods are air drying, pressing, silica gel drying and microwave drying. Explain one in steps, such as hanging bunches upside down in a dark, airy room.

Answer 1

Step 1: Why flowers are dried:
Drying removes water from flowers so that they last for months or years.
Dried flowers are used in bouquets, wreaths, potpourri and decor.
The method is chosen by the type of flower and the look wanted.

Step 2: Four methods of drying flowers:
1. Air drying (hanging the flowers upside down).
2. Pressing (drying between sheets of paper under weight).
3. Drying in desiccants such as silica gel or sand.
4. Microwave or oven drying.
Glycerine treatment is another method.

Step 3: Explain one method - Air drying:
Air drying is the easiest and cheapest method.
First, pick flowers at the half-open stage and remove the lower leaves.
Next, tie them in small bunches with a rubber band.
Then hang them upside down in a dark, dry and airy room.
This keeps the stems straight and the colour from fading.
After two to three weeks the flowers become dry and papery and are ready to use.
Good flowers for this method are statice, strawflower, rose buds and gomphrena.

Final Answer:
Four methods: air drying, pressing, desiccant drying and microwave drying. Air drying uses hanging bunches in a dark, dry, airy room.