The process for freeze dried flowers is the state-of-the-art and most effective method for flower preservation today. It is an innovative vacuum process that takes approximately four weeks depending on the flower.

Freeze dried flowers go through a process in which water is removed as vapor directly from ice, without passing through the liquid state. This process is called sublimation, and requires reduced pressure to occur. All other drying methods use evaporation – in other words, water is removed as vapor from liquid water with heated air.

The freeze drying machine drops the temperature to a -20 degrees F then it slowly returns the freeze dried flowers to room temperature over a four week period. This slow preservation process allows the freeze dried flowers to retain their original form, while the colors become enriched.

The ancient Incas were the first to learn the benefits of sublimation. They discovered that when they dried food at high elevations, the results were better. Even though the food would freeze, it would dry well if left exposed to the sun. The reduced pressure at high elevation, combined with the dry air and energy from the sun, had caused sublimation to occur.

As the Incas discovered, freeze drying is well suited for preserving sensitive biological materials. The three reasons for this is that, first, freezing slows or stops most chemical reactions. Second, the process occurs under a vacuum, and the absence of oxygen prevents oxidative reactions. And third, the process can be performed at very low temperatures - lower than any other drying method.

Each freeze dried flower is dried separately to ensure an aesthetically pleasing shape. The individual flowers are labeled and placed in the freeze-dry machine, carefully, to avoid any bruises to the flowers. The stems are removed to enable the bloom to stand upright. An average machine holds approximately 2,000 heads of freeze dried flowers. After the four week period the freeze dried flowers are delicately removed from the machine. This task usually takes about 4-5 hours.

Each freeze dried flower is then dipped individually in a solution that seals the flowers and allows them be soft and pliable. The freeze dried flowers are allowed to dry for a minimum of 36-48 hours. This additional process helps the freeze dried flowers to last indefinitely.

The freeze dried flowers should be kept out of the direct sunlight and humidity to ensure their lasting quality. The hues of the freeze dried flowers may change slightly with time depending on the type and variety of the flower.

The process for freeze dried flowers is a very labor intensive and time consuming process. However, this innovative technique allows your special flowers to last indefinitely.

Freeze drying (technically known as “lyophilization”) is the process of lowering the temperature of an object and then using a vacuum to extract all the moisture from the item.

When preserving sensitive biological materials, the main enemies are water, oxygen, and heat. Water is a powerful solvent, and is required for many chemical reactions, including enzymatic breakdown. Oxygen causes adverse chemical changes through oxidation, which is why anti-oxidant compounds are so popular. Heat can decompose or breakdown ingredients by itself, while at the same time accelerating other chemical changes, including enzymatic breakdown and oxidation.

The general process of freeze drying objects has been around for over 70 years. The process for freeze dried flowers began in 1989. By removing all the moisture from the flowers, the colors are preserved (though they may take on a slightly antiqued look). As long as they are protected from exposure to sunlight, insects and humidity, they should last for years and years.

Most all flowers work well as freeze dried flowers.

The following are recommended ONLY as freeze dried flowers: Anthurium, Gardenia, Ginger, Heliconia, Hyacinth, Liatris, Calla Lilly, Narcissus, Cattleya and Japhet Orchid, Tuberose, Bird-of-Paradise.

The following flowers neither work as freeze dried flowers or pressed flowers. Bouvardia, Chrysanthemum, Lilac.

You should be very conscious of quality, and look for freeze dried flowers which have been carefully processed and preserved. They should look as if they have just been picked from the garden, allowing them to have a fresh and natural look.

Freeze dried flowers preserved from special occasions, evoke the past, and leave us with sentimental thoughts. They help us commemorate good times and offer comfort in sadder ones, punctuating every celebration in our lives. From weddings, anniversaries, births, the passing of a loved one, retirement, to Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, freeze dried flowers give us life long memories of the event, and continue to enrich our lives. When we savor these moments for ourselves, friends, and family, it only adds a higher quality of living for everyone.

We have a nice selection of freeze dried rose petals that you can use for your own decorating projects.