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Dried & Pressed Flowers

how to dry a 5 ft amaranthus?

17 years ago

I would like to preserve the whole length of the plant and use in tall pots this winter. It's my first time to grow this plant and I don't want to screw it up.

First of all will those seed heads stay intact? Or make a mess all over the carpet?

Second, What is the optimim time to cut them? Right now the 'intense purple heads are indeed that color.

Third, will the stem hold that heavy seed head up when dry of will in break easily?

and Lastly, will the heads stay upright after dry or flop open and sag down?

Thx!

Karen

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Comments (2)

Pudge 2b
17 years ago
Unfortunately the time to cut Amaranthus is when it looks fabulous in the yard. The optimum time to cut is now, before any seeds develop and you lose that purple colour.

In order to dry the Amaranthus, I find it best to strip all the leaves (the dried leaves are unsightly). Hang the plant upside down in a dark, warm, well ventilated area (I hang in my basement. The heads will dry intact and retain the purple colour - not as vibrant I guess, but definitely purple. I've found that Amaranthus will rehydrate - in humid conditions or if your home is quite humid then they will droop some. That heavy stem you see now becomes quite light (in weight, that is) after it's dried so it should hold itself up quite well. The stem, when dried, is very strong.
cheerpeople
Original Author
17 years ago
Well they are hanging upside down in the shed. They have lost a LOT of their color. I hope they don't fade to the color of browned grass.

thx Pudge:)
Karen
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