How To Preserve Carnations In 6 Simple Techniques? [2024]

Preserving carnations goes beyond simply keeping them fresh in a vase. It’s about maintaining their beauty for the long term. Whether you’re drying them for decorative purposes or preserving them for sentimental reasons, the right techniques can make a big difference.

This article provides practical tips and step-by-step instructions to help you preserve carnations effectively.

We’ll explore methods like desiccant drying, air drying, and other preservation techniques to ensure your carnations retain their vibrant colours and delicate form. With these straightforward strategies, you can enjoy the lasting charm of your carnations for weeks, months, or even years.

1. Air Drying

Air drying is a popular method for preserving flowers in their most natural form and is ideal for those who appreciate a gradual, low-maintenance process.

This method works best for drying carnations without special equipment, as it simply requires a suitable environment. While air drying takes more time than other methods, it’s highly effective in retaining the flowers' delicate textures and colours with minimal effort.

Here’s how you can do it properly:

Setting Up: First, choose carnations that are fresh and not yet fully opened, as they will continue to open slightly as they dry. Cut the stems to a uniform length, typically about six inches, which makes them easier to handle.

Tie the stems together using a piece of string or a rubber band. The number of flowers in each bunch should not be too large; aim for 5-6 flowers per bunch to ensure adequate air circulation around each bloom.
Choosing the Right Location: Hang the tied bunches of carnations upside down in a location that is cool, dark, and well-ventilated. A dark environment helps in preserving the colour of the petals, preventing them from fading.

An attic, closet, or even a seldom-used room can be ideal. Ensure that the area is dry to avoid any chance of mould formation.
Conditions for Optimal Drying: The key to effective air drying is ensuring that the environment is not only dark but also has good air circulation to prevent moisture accumulation, which can lead to mould.

The area should ideally have a consistent temperature and be free of direct sunlight, which can bleach the flowers and cause them to lose their vibrant colours.

As the carnations dry, which can take between two to three weeks, check on them periodically:

Checking for Dryness: After a week or so, check the flowers by gently touching them. If the petals feel papery and the stems snap cleanly when bent, they are dry and ready to be removed from the hanging position.
Handling Dried Flowers: Handle the dried carnations with care as they become quite fragile once dried. If you need to store them, use a sealed container that can keep out moisture and place them in a single layer to avoid crushing the petals.

2. Using Silica Gel

Using silica gel in an airtight container is a highly effective method for drying carnations, especially if you want to preserve their natural shape and colour. Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the flowers, allowing for a gradual drying process that maintains the flowers’ delicate structure.

This method is also ideal for those looking to dry flowers without exposing them to heat, which can sometimes affect their vibrancy.

Layering Silica Gel and Carnations: Begin by selecting a container large enough to fit your carnations comfortably without crushing them. Pour a layer of silica gel about 2 inches thick at the bottom of the container.

Carefully place the carnations on top of this layer, ensuring that they don’t overlap, as this could lead to uneven drying.

Use a spoon to gently pour more silica gel over each flower, ensuring that the gel settles between the petals. The carnations should be fully covered for even drying, as any exposed petals may not dry as thoroughly.
Sealing and Timing the Drying Process: Once the flowers are completely covered, seal the container with its lid to create an airtight environment. Store it in a cool, dry place, allowing the silica gel to work its magic.

The drying time for carnations in silica gel is typically about 5-7 days. After a week, you can carefully check the flowers for dryness by gently brushing away some of the gel from one flower to see if it feels papery and dry.

Removing and Storing the Dried Carnations: When the carnations are dry, gently remove them from the container, taking care to brush off any remaining silica gel with a soft brush. Dried flowers can be delicate, so handle them with care.

For preservation, store the dried carnations in an airtight container or display them in a protected, dry environment to avoid reabsorbing moisture.

3. Microwave Preservation

Using a microwave is a quick and efficient method to preserve carnations, allowing you to maintain their beauty and vibrant colours for decorative or sentimental purposes. This technique uses heat to remove moisture while retaining the flowers’ natural shape.

Follow these simple steps to successfully dry carnations using a microwave.

Prepare the Flowers and Container:

Select fresh carnations with fully open blooms for the best results.
Trim the stems to about 1-2 inches and remove any leaves.
Spread a 1-2 inch layer of silica gel evenly at the bottom of your microwave-safe container.

Position the Carnations:

Place the carnations upright or face-up on the silica gel, depending on how you want the flowers to look when dried.
Carefully pour more silica gel over the flowers until they are fully covered. Ensure the gel fills the spaces between petals without crushing them.

Microwave the Flowers:

Place the container in the microwave and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Microwaving times may vary depending on the flower size and your microwave’s power, so monitor closely.
After heating, let the container cool inside the microwave for 10-15 minutes to allow the drying process to complete without overheating the flowers.

Check and Clean the Flowers:

Once the container has cooled, gently remove the carnations from the silica gel. Use a soft paintbrush to remove any remaining gel particles from the petals.

Store or Display:

Store your dried carnations in a sealed container to protect them from moisture, or use them immediately in decorative arrangements, craft projects, or as keepsakes.

4. Freezer Preservation

Freezing is an effective preservation method to maintain carnations’ beauty and structure for an extended period. By freezing carnations, you can preserve their vibrant colours and delicate form for various decorative purposes.

While this method requires some patience, it’s relatively simple and does not require specialised equipment beyond your freezer.

Prepare the Carnations:

Select fresh carnations with healthy, fully opened blooms. Avoid flowers that are wilting or damaged.
Trim the stems to your desired length, ensuring they fit into your container, and remove any leaves.

Pre-Treat the Flowers (Optional):

For better preservation, you can coat the flowers with a thin layer of silica gel. This helps absorb moisture during freezing and ensures the flowers maintain their natural form.

Place the Flowers in the Freezer:

Arrange the carnations in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Ensure they are spaced apart and not pressed against the sides to prevent distortion or damage.
Seal the container tightly to avoid frost or moisture affecting the flowers.

Freeze the Carnations:

Set your freezer to its coldest setting and place the container inside. Allow the flowers to freeze completely, which typically takes 12-24 hours depending on the freezer.

Remove and Thaw (Optional for Display):

If you plan to display the carnations, remove them carefully from the freezer and allow them to thaw slowly in a cool, dry place. Do not expose them to direct sunlight or heat during the thawing process to avoid wilting or damage.

5. Resin Preservation

Resin preservation is a unique way to encapsulate and display dried carnations in a long-lasting, visually stunning form. This method is perfect for creating decorative objects or jewellery, as resin offers a transparent, glass-like finish that preserves the flower’s beauty indefinitely.

By embedding carnations in resin, you can create keepsakes like pendants, coasters, and paperweights, adding a unique floral element to each piece.

Using Resin for Preservation: Resin preservation involves encasing dried carnations in an epoxy or UV resin mix. Epoxy resin is preferred for larger pieces and projects requiring durability, while UV resin, which cures quickly under UV light, is better for smaller, quick-drying projects.

Resin serves as a protective shield around the flower, keeping it free from dust and moisture while preserving its colour and form for years to come. However, it’s crucial to work in a well-ventilated area and follow safety instructions, as resin can emit fumes.
Steps to Embed Dried Carnations in Resin:

Prepare Your Resin and Workspace: Set up a workspace with proper ventilation and line the area with disposable paper to catch any spills.

For epoxy resin, measure equal parts of resin and hardener according to the package instructions, mixing them thoroughly for about 2-3 minutes until the solution is fully blended. For UV resin, no mixing is required, as it cures directly under a UV light source.
Pouring the First Resin Layer: Begin by pouring a thin layer of resin into your mould or desired casting container. This base layer serves as the foundation, preventing the carnation from resting directly against the bottom, which can lead to air bubbles.
Positioning the Carnation: Carefully place the dried carnation into the resin layer, positioning it gently with tweezers to avoid disturbing the resin. Arrange the flower to face upwards, as this orientation displays it best.

Ensure the flower is entirely dry before embedding it in the resin; any moisture left in the flower could affect the clarity.
Pouring the Final Resin Layer: Pour additional resin over the carnation until it’s fully submerged. Pour slowly and steadily to avoid creating bubbles. Fill the mould to your desired level, ensuring the flower is entirely encased in resin.
Curing the Resin: For epoxy resin, leave the mould to cure for the recommended time (usually 24-48 hours) in a dust-free area. For UV resin, use a UV light to cure the resin, typically for a few minutes until it hardens.

Tips for Achieving a Clear and Bubble-Free Finish:
1. Mix Slowly: When blending the resin and hardener, stir slowly to minimise bubbles. Rapid stirring can trap air, which may appear in the final product.
2. Use a Heat Source for Bubbles: Once the resin is poured, gently pass a heat gun or a small blow torch over the surface. This helps to release trapped air bubbles, giving your finished piece a smooth, glass-like finish.
3. Choose the Right Moulds and Mould Release Spray: Using high-quality silicone moulds provides flexibility, allowing for easy removal of the finished resin piece.
  
  Applying a mould release spray before pouring the resin ensures your piece pops out cleanly without damaging the mould or the flower.

6. Pressing Flowers

Pressing carnations is a timeless preservation technique that results in beautifully flattened, delicate flowers perfect for DIY projects.

This method, unlike oven or microwave drying, doesn’t retain the three-dimensional shape of the flower but instead compresses it, making it ideal for crafts such as scrapbooking, card making, and framed art. Pressing allows the carnations’ natural colours to shine while preserving them in a unique, flattened form.

This approach to drying is particularly suitable for those interested in botanical art, as pressed flowers can maintain their beauty for years if preserved properly.

The process involves using heavy books or specialised flower presses, along with absorbent paper, to draw moisture out gradually, resulting in perfectly preserved petals that add a personal, artistic touch to creative projects.

Using Books and Absorbent Paper: Select a thick, heavy book you won’t mind dedicating to this purpose, as pressing can sometimes leave slight marks.

Start by laying a sheet of absorbent paper (such as blotting or plain white paper) inside the book. The paper helps to draw out moisture from the flowers, preventing mould.
Arranging the Carnations: Remove the stems, and gently arrange the carnations face down on the paper, spreading out the petals so they don’t overlap. This arrangement ensures each part of the flower is evenly pressed, preserving its shape.

Place another sheet of absorbent paper over the flowers, then close the book gently. For additional weight, stack more heavy books on top.
Pressing Time: Leave the book undisturbed in a dry area for at least two to three weeks. If you check before this time, avoid shifting the flowers, as moving them can damage the fragile, drying petals.
Creative Uses for Pressed Carnations: Once fully pressed, carnations can be used in a variety of creative DIY projects. They’re lovely for scrapbooking, as they add a personal touch to memory pages.

You can also use them in homemade cards, creating a heartfelt, nature-inspired design. Additionally, pressed carnations make beautiful additions to photo frames or shadow boxes, adding a touch of preserved beauty to your home decor.

Conclusion About Preserving Carnations

Preserving carnations is easier than you might think, especially with a few simple techniques. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying their vibrant blooms, these steps will help you get the most out of your carnations.

With just a little care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy your flowers for days or even weeks.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Preserving Carnations

Should I Remove Dying Carnations From An Arrangement To Preserve The Others?

Yes, removing dying carnations from an arrangement is essential to preserve the freshness of the other flowers. Wilting flowers release ethylene gas, which accelerates the ageing process of nearby blooms, causing them to wilt more quickly.

Additionally, decaying flowers can introduce bacteria into the water, which clogs the stems of the remaining carnations, reducing their ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Can Using Tap Water Affect The Longevity Of Carnations?

Tap water can affect the longevity of carnations if it contains high levels of impurities, such as chlorine or minerals, which may inhibit water absorption.

For optimal results, use filtered or room-temperature water and change it regularly to keep bacteria at bay. You can improve the quality of tap water for carnations by adding flower food or a homemade solution, which helps balance pH levels and provide nutrients.

Do Carnations Last Longer In Floral Foam Or Water?

Carnations generally last longer in water than in floral foam. While floral foam can hold water, it doesn’t allow for the same continuous water uptake as a vase full of water. If using floral foam, ensure it’s fully soaked and regularly topped up to keep the carnations hydrated.

However, water in a vase is usually more effective in extending their lifespan, as it allows unrestricted access to hydration.

Can Wilting Carnations Be Revived?

Wilting carnations can often be revived by trimming their stems at a 45-degree angle, placing them in fresh, clean water, and keeping them in a cool area. This helps improve water uptake and rehydrates the flowers.

Additionally, removing any wilted leaves and refreshing the water can further enhance the chances of revival. However, severely wilted carnations may not fully recover depending on how long they have been without adequate hydration.