How to Preserve Nastrum Flowers

Preserving flowers is a simple craft dating back to colonial times in America. It is one of those crafts that has been passed down from generation to generation. When you preserve flowers, you are simply drying them out, and if done properly, the flowers can last for years. Flowers that are stable and long lasting -- such as baby's breath, cockscomb and roses -- often dry out most successfully, and nastrum flowers in particular are known to preserve quite nicely.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• clothes hangers
• nastrum flowers
• twine

How to Preserve Nastrum Flowers

1. On a dry day, pick well-shaped nastrum flowers that are bug free and pesticide free.

2. Separate the flowers so they are not bunched up or crowded together, then remove the leaves from around the flowers.

3. To dry them in a bunch, tie the stems of the flowers together with twine. To dry individually, skip this step.

4. Hang flowers upside down from coat hangers, attaching the flowers to the hanger with twine. Allow to dry in a warm, dark place for 1 to 3 weeks. Actual drying time depends on the moisture content of the flower.

Tips & Warnings

• Picking nastrum flowers in the bud stage, or partially opened stage, is best when air drying. Some flowers will still continue to open while drying.
• Closed cabinets or rooms that lack moisture in the air are the best places to air dry nastrum flowers.

References

• Methods of Preserving Flowers
• How to Dry Flowers