The enduring beauty of the chrysanthemum, often called a mum, makes it a popular flower for preserving and displaying. These blooms are known for their vibrant colors and varied, intricate forms, qualities which can be successfully retained through careful drying. Preserving chrysanthemums allows for their enjoyment long after the growing season has ended, transforming them into lasting elements for home decor or craft projects. Successful preservation relies on selecting the appropriate technique and executing each step with precision to minimize moisture and maintain the flower’s structural integrity.
Essential Preparation Steps Before Drying
The process of preservation begins immediately after the flower is cut, making the timing of the harvest important. Chrysanthemums should be collected when they are fully open, but before the petals show any sign of browning or wilting. Harvesting in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the midday sun has stressed the plant, ensures the best moisture balance for drying.
After cutting, the stem should be trimmed to the desired length for the chosen method. It is important to strip all or most of the leaves from the stem before drying begins. Leaves contain high amounts of moisture and can slow the dehydration process, which can lead to mold development. Removing the foliage also helps maintain the bloom’s shape and color during the transition.
Preserving Mums Using the Air Drying Method
Air drying is the simplest preservation method and is especially suitable for chrysanthemums. To begin, gather the prepared stems into small bunches, typically containing three to five flowers. Use a rubber band or piece of twine to secure the stems tightly, accounting for the fact that the stems will shrink as they dry.
These bundles must then be hung upside down, which uses gravity to pull the stems straight and keeps the flower heads upright. The drying location should be dark, dry, warm, and well-ventilated to encourage rapid moisture removal. A dark location prevents the sun’s ultraviolet light from bleaching the natural pigments in the petals.
Depending on the mum variety and the humidity, the air drying process can take anywhere from one to eight weeks. The flowers are completely dry when the stems feel rigid and the petals are brittle to the touch. Once fully dried, the preserved mums can be taken down and prepared for display.
Preserving Mums Using Desiccants
For chrysanthemums, which have dense, multi-layered petals, using a desiccant preserves the flower’s three-dimensional shape and intense color more reliably than air drying. Silica gel is the most common agent used for this method, as it is highly absorbent and can be reused. The desiccant works by rapidly drawing moisture out of the bloom’s cellular structure in a sealed environment.
To dry the flowers, place a layer of silica gel in an airtight container, and the mum heads, with their stems trimmed short, are gently nestled on top. More gel is then slowly poured over the flower, starting from the sides and working inward, ensuring the petals are completely supported and covered. This careful embedding prevents the delicate petals from collapsing as they dehydrate.
The container must be sealed tightly to prevent the silica gel from pulling moisture from the surrounding air instead of the flower. The drying time is significantly shorter than air drying, generally taking between three and eight days. Silica gel provides the best color retention and structure for thick-petaled flowers.
Long-Term Storage and Display of Dried Mums
Once the chrysanthemums are fully dried, they become fragile and require careful handling to prevent breakage. The cellular structure is brittle, so movements should be slow and deliberate when arranging them. To increase the durability of the dried blooms, apply a light misting of an acrylic craft sealant or unscented hairspray.
This sealant provides a protective barrier against moisture and helps set the fine petals and prevent shedding. For display, dried mums should be kept out of direct sunlight, which causes the colors to fade quickly over time. They must also be kept away from areas of high humidity, such as bathrooms, as moisture can lead to mold growth or cause the flowers to soften and droop.
Dried chrysanthemums are versatile and can be used in various projects, including shadow boxes, wreaths, and permanent floral arrangements. Periodically, they may need to be gently cleaned of dust. This can be accomplished using a soft artist’s brush or a can of compressed air held at a safe distance.