Commercial Floriculture

Moisture tests to know material is dried/not

1. Test the flower in more than one place, as petals dry before the flower centre.
   
2. lace sample in airtight jar, leave for a day or two. If condensation appears, need to be dried a little more.
   
3. Check the sample by keeping upright in a container for 24-48 hours. Head will droop if plants are not completely dried because; neck of flower dries out last.

Care of dried flowers
1. Prevention of moisture absorption- Dry flower absorbs atmospheric moisture and loses their shape. Therefore, they should be stored immediately in moisture proof containers like glass desiccators, tin boxes, cartons, wrapped with plastic sheet or wax paper. 2
2. Prevention of dust –Storage containers should be dust free as dust particles spoil the beauty of flowers.
   
3. Prevention of breakage- Pack carefully ensuring that there is not too much pressure on flower heads.
   
4. Prevention of direct sunlight and light in order to avoid fading of colour.
   
5. Prevention of damage by insects-Moth balls should be kept in storage containers.

Value added products
• Dried flower are exported as assortments of value added items.