The best way to dry viola flowers is through pressing because the petals of these basic blossoms are both colorful and thin, making them an ideal pressing combination in comparison to many other types of flowers.
During the growing season, a lot of people like to press flowers. Flowers may be preserved at their prime by pressing them to dry and keep their beauty. Once they’ve been stored, you may utilize them in other applications.
Viola Flowers
Viola blooms profusely in the late spring when the temperatures are cooler. At this point in time, you will have the most success harvesting some of the blossoms.
They will continue to blossom even more productively after the harvest has been completed.
In the garden, purple and beautiful violas are blossoming. Even after the flowers are picked, the violas will continue to grow more.
The little blossoms have a tendency to lag behind a bit as the warm season develops, but you can still continue growing them by transferring them to a cooler area in your garden.
Regardless of how you want to use them, the mix of colors that are found on the flowers will provide a really beautiful presentation.
Violas have beautiful, edible blossoms that may be utilized in a variety of applications.
These dainty flowers are perfectly suitable for use fresh, and they also maintain their appearance quite well. They work well when incorporated into a modern display.
In their pressed form, they are also an excellent material to employ. Imagine viola ice cubes, cookies with edible flowers, and cakes embellished with vibrant and adorable blossoms.
MUST READ: How to grow Viola from Seeds
How to Press Viola to Dry
The blossoms of the viola may be preserved for a later time by pressing them on the paper. When you have an abundance of blossoms, you will not have to throw any of them away since you will be able to utilize every single one of them.
Next, let’s have a look at some things to keep in mind while pressing pansies so that we get the greatest possible outcomes.
Choose Fresh Violas
When pressing and drying flowers, it is best practice to use only the freshest flowers possible. The most beautiful outcomes will be achieved with fresh flowers.
If you want to consume the pressed flowers in any way, you should only collect those varieties of flowers that are edible. This exclusively covers organic foods, none of which have been treated with any kind of pesticide.
If at all feasible, you should try to gather your flowers first thing in the morning. Before the heat of the day sets in, this is the period when they are at their optimal level of hydration.
Be sure to get some leaves as well, as they are wonderful after they have been dried and provide a pleasant touch to the flowers that you have collected.
A hand pressing a green viola leaf against a hazy backdrop. Pressed viola leaves look fantastic when combined with pressed viola blossoms.
Gather the blossoms when the morning dew has evaporated from their surfaces. Make sure they are completely dry before plucking them, as any further moisture might put them in danger of mold growth.
As an additional precaution, you should choose a day that is not cloudy and rainy but rather one that is clear and sunny.
Having said that, there are instances when you just want to harvest everything you want whenever you want. If this is the case, then before pressing the flowers, you should make sure that they are completely dry.
Cut the viola blossoms off of the plant with a pair of scissors. Put them in a fresh dish or another suitable container.
Make Viola Pressable
Be sure to keep in mind that your violas will be pressed in a flat position as you prepare them for the press.
There are instances when it is beneficial to cut away the portion of the stem that is located behind the flower heads. Although it is not strictly required, removing the stem will help the blooms sit flatter than they already do.
You should only proceed with this step if you do not want the stem. You may keep the stem attached to the flower head if that is what you like.
Viola flowers in various vibrant colors are arranged on a blue plate in preparation for pressing it is important to ensure that the pansy flowers are dry before harvesting them.
For instance, if your final product is just going to consist of pressed flower heads to be used for decoration, you should remove the stem.
If, on the other hand, the finished product will be improved by keeping the stem connected (for example, a pressed flower display that includes flowers, stems, and leaves), then you should absolutely keep the stem in place.
In my experience, the flower stem is only a problem while the flowers are still fresh and you are attempting to use them for decorative purposes.
When subjected to pressure, the stem has a tendency to flatten out as well.
When pressing pansies, it is recommended to place them face down. This is true regardless of the pressing technique you use. Because of this, the flower faces will open up when they are squeezed, and there will be a reduced chance that the petals will fold over on themselves.
Press Viola using a Book
- It is recommended that you use a book that is both weighty and one that you do not mind getting flower dye on. The use of an outdated phone book is recommended.
- Arrange the flower heads so that the flat side is facing down on top of the tissue paper that has been affixed to a page in the book.
- It is important to ensure that there is enough space between each bloom to avoid the spread of mold in the event that it develops.
- The tissue paper should be covered with as many viola flowers and foliage as may be accommodated on the page.
- After you have placed an additional piece of paper on top of the flowers, you should then shut the book.
- Put the book in a tight bookcase or on top of a pile of heavier volumes to prevent it from falling out.
- The violas will be pressed and dried within a few weeks’ time at the most.
How Long does it take to Press the Viola?
Viola blooms are very easy to press, and they are also quick to dry. Within several weeks to a month, the flowers will be dry from pressing in a book or press.
How to Store Viola Flowers
Violas that have been pressed should be kept in an airtight container and kept in a warm, dry area.
To ensure that they are protected while being preserved, I prefer to wrap each one in tissue paper.
It is essential to take measures to avoid mold growth over the long term, and the use of tissue paper will assist in keeping moisture away from the flowers.
If you want to store the dried flowers so that they last as long as possible, you should keep them away from direct sunlight.
The violas may then be removed and utilized whenever there is a need for them, and they will continue to endure for a considerable amount of time.
Conclusion
Violas have beautiful blossoms that may be eaten and are very simple to dry and store for later use. These lovely and joyful blossoms produce beautiful pressed flowers when they are preserved in alcohol.
The natural beauty of the flowers is brought out by the pressing process. The process of drying the flowers brings out colors and features that may not have been evident in the fresh flower form. This gives the flattened flowers a one-of-a-kind appearance that is both attractive and unusual.
When they are freshly cut, violas have a flavor that is both delicate and dramatic. However, when they are compressed, they reveal an even greater potential.
They may be used for a much longer period of time, even after they have ceased blooming if you press them to preserve them.
Think about planting a few additional pots of violas this year so that you’ll have plenty of extra flowers for pressing and eating.
Hey! I’m Madhuresh, a passionate content creator, and a Plant lover. I created Shiny Plant to explore and learn about new plants. The purpose is to provide simple and effective Gardening Tips. Hope you’ll find this informative.