Prickly but beautiful - that's what they are, the dried flowers of the thistle. If you dry them correctly, you can enjoy their color and the nostalgic flair they exude for a long time. How does experience show it works best?
How are thistles dried correctly?
Thistles can be dried either withstemor without the stem, using primarily theflower headsof the plant. Hung upside down The stalked thistles can be quickly air dried in a shady and cool place.
How long do dried thistles last?
Well-dried thistles can be storedfor many months. In an unfavorable location, they become dusty over time and lose some of their color. But they keep their shape.
Which thistles are suitable for drying?
Many types of thistle are suitable for drying, such asEdelthistle,KugelthistleandSilberthistle The most popular types for drying are noble thistle and globe thistle. It is advisable not to dry the thistles alone, but to combine them with other summer flowers. Dried gypsophila, yarrow, lavender, hydrangeas and strawflowers go very well with them.
When do you cut thistles for drying?
To dry, the thistles should be cutbeforeopening the flower heads. This is important because the flowers will open further as they dry. You can cut the flowers with or without stems using secateurs. The best time ismorning when the dew on the flowers has dried.
How can thistles be air dried?
Once you have cut off the thistles with the stem, you canhang them upside down and let them air dry. It is advisable to tie them into a loose bouquet beforehand. But it is important that air can circulate around each flower. Hang the bouquet in a shady, cool and dry place. If you have only cut off the flower heads, you can place them on a rack to dry.
What tools are available for drying thistles?
As an aid for drying thistles, you can useSilica gelorWashing powder. These agents remove moisture from the thistles. If you choose silica gel, fill a container with the dry beads, place the flowers in it, seal the container and wait two days.
When are the thistles completely dry?
It usually takesone to two days for the thistles to dry completely. In the worst case, it can take up to a week, depending on the environment and the type of thistle. You can recognize dried thistles by the following characteristics:
- they rustle
- they are stiff
- they are brittle
What are dried thistles good for?
Dried thistles are suitable forvases,arrangementsandother decorative elements With them you can You can create an entire arrangement because they go well with many other flowers and fruit stands. How about, for example, an autumnal arrangement of blue globe thistles and orange lantern flowers?
Tip
Cut too late and the petals will fall off
If you cut off the thistle flowers only after they have fully opened, there is a risk that the petals will fall off during drying or later. Therefore, cut off the flowers in good time before opening!
