Flower pressing is a delightful and creative way to preserve the natural beauty of flowers. However, not all flowers are suitable for pressing, as some may lose their shape, color, or texture during the process. To ensure successful results, it's essential to choose the right flowers for pressing. In this article, we will provide you with tips for selecting the best candidates for your flower pressing endeavors.

Considerations for Flower Selection

When choosing flowers for pressing, there are several factors to consider:

1. Freshness:

Select fresh flowers that are in their prime. Flowers that are past their peak may have wilted or damaged petals, making them less suitable for pressing. Look for blooms with vibrant colors, firm petals, and minimal blemishes.

Reading more:

2. Structure:

Consider the structure of the flower. Flowers with flat or thin petals, such as pansies, daisies, or violets, tend to press well due to their relatively low moisture content. Delicate flowers like roses might require additional care during the pressing process to maintain their shape.

3. Moisture Content:

Choose flowers with low moisture content, as high moisture can lead to mold growth and discoloration during pressing. Avoid flowers that have just been watered or have dew on them. Flowers harvested in the morning after the dew has dried can be good candidates.

4. Size:

Select flowers that are suitable for the size of your flower press or pressing apparatus. Larger flowers, like sunflowers or dahlias, may need to be trimmed or pressed in sections. Smaller blooms, such as forget-me-nots or violets, are ideal for pressing whole.

5. Color Fastness:

Some flowers may fade or change color significantly when pressed. Consider how the colors of the selected flowers might change during the pressing process. Experimentation and keeping a record of your results can help you identify which flowers retain their colors best.

6. Fragility:

Take into account the fragility of the flowers. Delicate petals or flowers with intricate structures may require extra care during the pressing process to prevent damage. Consider using support techniques like layered pressing or botanical parchment papers to protect fragile blooms.

Reading more:

Flower Selection Ideas

Here are some popular flower choices that generally press well:

Pressed Flowers:

  • Pansies
  • Daisies
  • Violets
  • Buttercups
  • Forget-me-nots
  • Baby's breath
  • Cosmos
  • Larkspur
  • Cornflowers
  • Marigolds
  • Queen Anne's lace
  • Geraniums
  • Roses (for more experienced pressers)

Foliage and Leaves:

  • Ferns
  • Maple leaves
  • Eucalyptus leaves
  • Ivy leaves
  • Oak leaves
  • Ginkgo leaves

These suggestions are by no means exhaustive, and there are many other flowers and foliage options that can be successfully pressed. You can experiment with different varieties and discover new favorites through trial and error.

Harvesting and Preparing Flowers for Pressing

Once you have identified suitable flowers for pressing, it's important to properly harvest and prepare them:

  1. Harvest in dry weather: Choose a dry day to harvest your flowers to minimize moisture content. Avoid harvesting after rain or when the plants are still damp from dew.

  2. Use clean and sharp tools: Ensure your scissors or pruners are clean and sharp before cutting the flowers. Dirty or blunt tools can introduce contaminants or damage the stems.

    Reading more:

  3. Cut longer stems: When harvesting, cut the stems longer than you need. Longer stems provide flexibility during the pressing process, allowing you to trim them later according to your desired arrangement.

  4. Remove excess foliage: Remove any excess leaves or foliage from the stems, as they can contribute to moisture retention and promote mold growth. Leave a few leaves near the flower if desired for aesthetic purposes.

  5. Pre-pressing: If the flowers are particularly fleshy or have a high moisture content, you may want to pre-press them briefly before placing them in the flower press. Gently lay the flowers between layers of absorbent paper and place a light weight on top for a short period. This step helps remove excess moisture and prepares the flowers for pressing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right flowers for pressing is essential to achieve successful results. By considering factors such as freshness, structure, moisture content, size, color fastness, and fragility, you can select flowers that are best suited for pressing. Experiment with different varieties and techniques, keeping a record of your experiences to develop your own repertoire of favorite flowers for pressing. With careful selection and preparation, you can create beautiful and lasting pressed flower creations that capture the essence of nature's elegance.

Similar Articles: