Commercial Floriculture

How to make potpourri

• Basis of a potpourri is the aromatic oils found within the plant.
  
• These oils are not confined to flowers, but they are at their peak at flowering time.
  
• So harvest leaves and flowers just as the plant begins to flower.
  
• After harvesting, dry the plant part in a warm, airy, dry room either by hang drying or flat drying.
  
• Drying at high temperature may result in loss of aromatic oils.
  
• For making potpourri, a “fixative” is needed which is responsible for absorbing the aromatic oils and slowly releasing them.
  
• Common fixatives include finely ground non –iodized salt, Orris root (dried rhizomes of iris plant), sweet flag (calamus root), gum benzoin, and ambergris.
  
• Other materials required are finely ground spices (cinnamon, clove and nutmeg). To enhance the scent, add essential oil (Patchouli oil/rose oil/ lavender oil).