Carnations, florists' carnations or Carthusian pinks, miniature carnations or sand pinks, all belong to the Dianthus genus. Varying in shape and size, carnations are nonetheless characterised by the beauty and enchanting fragrance of their flowers. Single, semi-double or double blooms that flourish from May to September in perfectly drained, rather sunny locations. Ideal for creating pretty bouquets, carnations have a somewhat old-fashioned charm that makes them delightful both in the garden and at home. Especially since they hold up beautifully in vases. To prolong the beauty of carnations' delicate, serrated petals, why not dry these "flowers of the gods"? We explain the different methods for drying carnations.
When to pick carnation flowers?
You love the delicacy and sweetness of carnations that perfume your garden. And you'd like to extend their life by drying them. However, be aware that carnations aren't the easiest flowers to dry compared to peonies, roses, hydrangeas, baby's breath, eucalyptus, everlasting flowers, limonium, yarrow, lavender or others. Carnations tend to lose their lovely colours. Still, you might be pleasantly surprised...
To give yourself the best chance, pick your carnations in the morning, just after the dew has evaporated. And choose a sunny, rain-free day.
Select flowers that are close to full bloom but not fully open, or not completely unfurled. And avoid flowers showing the first signs of wilting.
Don't hesitate to pick more than you need as drying carnations can be tricky. Cut stems to the length of your future container and remove any leaves that might get damaged during drying.
How to dry carnation flowers?
There are several methods for drying carnations. Your choice will depend on how you plan to display your dried flowers.
Pressing method
If you want to use dried carnations to decorate a pretty card, create artwork or make a herbarium, flat pressing is recommended. This method helps (relatively) preserve the flowers' colours. You can use a flower press or, more simply, a thick dictionary. Place your flowers with their stems between two sheets of absorbent paper without them touching, then slip between the dictionary pages. As these absorbent sheets collect moisture, you'll need to change them every 3 days or so. After three weeks, your carnations will be dry. You can spray them with hairspray if you wish to help protect them from dust.
Air drying
This is the least demanding drying method.
- Gather your carnations into small bouquets of 5-6 flowers, tied with raffia or string. Be sure to cut your carnations with secateurs.
- Make a loose knot to allow air circulation between stems.
- Hang your bouquet upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area, wrapped in newspaper to protect from dust. Sunlight must be avoided as it will cause the flowers to lose colour. An attic or garage is ideal. Again, after three weeks, your carnations will be dry.
To improve your chances, you can dip your bouquet in glycerine before hanging. How to proceed? Mix 1 part glycerine with 2 parts boiling water. Stir and let cool before immersing your flowers. You can enjoy them for 3-4 weeks while the glycerine replaces the sap in the stems. Remember to make cross cuts in the stems before placing them in the glycerine bath. Then dry them upside down.
Silica gel drying
What is silica gel? Simply a moisture absorber that prevents flower decay. Plus, it preserves the flowers' colour and volume. Several silica gel drying techniques exist, but for carnations, the airtight container method is best.
- Place 3cm of silica gel beads in an airtight container.
- Cover with a sheet of absorbent paper
- Gently arrange your flowers on the silica gel, spacing them apart.
- Seal the lid and wait 2-3 days, or longer if needed.
- Once dry, carefully remove the carnations.
- Don't discard your silica beads - they can be reused. Simply dry them in a 120°C oven until moisture-free.
Silica gel helps dry flowers more quickly
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