Freeze-Dry Q & A
How do you preserve fresh flowers?
We use a process called Freeze-drying, which removes the moisture from fresh flowers.
How does it work?
In simple terms the flowers are placed in a chamber and flash frozen at a temperature range of -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. A smaller separate chamber is maintained between -50 to -60 degrees, when the flowers are thoroughly frozen usually 12 to 24 hours a vacuum is placed in the chambers, the temperature is increased in increments of 5 to 10 degrees per day until room temperature is reached. As the temperature rises moisture is removed from the flowers as a vapor which form as ice crystals in the smaller ice chamber. This process takes between 21 days to complete depending on the varieties of the flowers.
Is this the same as freeze-dried survival foods?
The process is similar to that used in the food, pharmaceutical, and taxidermy industries, but has only been used for the preservation of fresh flowers and foliage in the last two decades as technology advanced to the point of being able to process delicate fresh flowers with out damaging them.
What do these preserved flowers look like?
Most people agree that they are quite similar to their fresh counterparts. Shape and size remain the same as well are color retention. Certain types of flowers process better than others, but most varieties retain their original beauty. The freshness of the flowers and the care given to them before they begin the freeze-drying process plays an important part in determining their final appearance.
Are freeze-dried flowers treated with chemicals?
Yes, Pre-treatments are used to enhance color retention, prevent ultra-violet damage and provide durability and shatter resistance. Post-treatments with polymers prevent moisture reentry and give flexibility. On few occasions color enhancers are utilized. None of these chemicals are harmful once they dry.
What flowers dry the best?
“FRESH” flowers! All reputable florists should be providing you with the freshest flowers available. Speak to you florist in advance, tell them you are having your bouquet preserved and that freshness of the flowers is very important, and that if at all possible a water supply be provided. Use finesse when talking to your florist, their flowers & artistry will be viewed by your friends and family for years to come. The only varieties of flowers that do not freeze-dry well are members of the chrysanthemum family, especially daisy pomps.
Will my flowers retain the same color they had when they were fresh?
Each variety and color shade responds differently, but most retain their original colors beautifully. Some colors may lighten slightly, white stock will turn a very pale peach, and many varieties of white roses will turn creamy. As years pass the colors will soften with an attractive antiquing appearance. We color enhance some flowers to retain there original appearance.
When do I need to get you the flowers?
Freshness of the flowers is very important, therefore the sooner we receive the flowers after the wedding the better. We provide a special insulated box outside our shop door on weekends. Many brides will have a friend or family member drop off their flowers on Saturday or Sunday. It is important to make prearrangements with us so that the box will be available for you. We come in on Sundays in order to put your flowers in water and place them in our coolers, then on Monday we begin the process of freeze-drying your flowers. If the weekend does not work out for you please insure that we receive your bouquet no later than Tuesday.
You are 2 hours away from me, why should I use your services?
With Fred’s Flowers & Gifts you will receive both quality & value. We have 60 years of experience in the handling & care of fresh flowers along with gifted floral designers. We are brick & mortar, family owned and operated in the same location since 1946. We will be here twenty years from now to serve your floral needs. We keep on hand at all times a full inventory of freeze-dry replacement flowers, including roses, gardenia, orchids, lilies, stephanotis, lily of the valley, and many other varieties of flowers. If your bouquet has damaged blossoms which are unattractive and unusable, we offer free replacement for up to 30% of the volume of your bouquet when you purchase a heirloom keepsake to display your flowers from Fred’s. This is an incredible value as many of these flowers can be quite expensive. Above all we serve you with courtesy and a smile.
I live in the St. Louis area how do I get you my flowers?
Please refer to our “Freeze-Dry Pick up Contract” for courier services & drop off locations in the St. Louis, MO., and St.Clair County, IL areas.
I live a long ways from you can I ship my bouquet to you over night and have you ship it back?
Yes, please consult the “Freeze-Dry Pickup Contract”.
How do I care for my bouquet before I get it to you?
Provide it with a water source & keep it in a cool location, any area above 32 degrees, also away from fruits, vegetables, & auto exhausts which will cause damage to the blooms. Do not place in freezer or a refrigerator that freezes vegetables.
My flowers look terrible, what can I do?
Get them to us as soon as possible. We have experience in rehydrating flowers since 1946; and have special techniques for reviving fresh flowers. If you have flowers which are beyond hope, at your request we will provide substitute flowers at no charge for up to replacement of 30% of your bouquet.
Do you ever replace with silk flowers or foliages?
We never use silk flowers, but sometimes we will use artificial foliage if it looks better than the preserved.
Is it necessary to have my flowers in a keepsake or under glass?
No, however if you are going to display your flowers as a centerpiece or wall hanging unprotected from dust, humidity, sunlight, pests and pets, you will be greatly reducing their longevity.
Do I have to preserve my entire bouquet?
No, individual flowers may be processed or you may have your bouquet resized and placed in a smaller keepsake.
How long will my flowers last?
We expect freeze-dried flowers which are in enclosed keepsakes to last for many, many years to come. Unprotected preserved flowers will only last a couple of years. Care, handling & freshness before they began the freeze-drying process will definitely determine lasting qualities. The types of flowers and home environment will also be a factor in their permanence.
How should I care for my preserved flowers?
Light & humidity are the enemies of freeze-dried flowers. Place your keepsake in a dry room away from any form of direct light. Hang or situate your keepsake in a permanent location where it will not be moved or jarred.
Do you offer any guarantees?
We offer a 90 day guarantee on workmanship and materials from the time of pickup. If your freeze-dried flowers are kept enclosed you should be able to enjoy them for many years. We have utilized the latest in cutting edge technologies and experienced craftsmanship to insure that your preserved flowers are of the highest quality. Preserved flowers are a perishable item and we do not however have control over their history before we received them or their care and environment after the leave us. Therefore we can not guarantee their longevity of life.
When will I get my flowers back?
It normally takes 16 to 18 weeks to complete your order. Floral holidays or back ordered keepsake containers may extend this time slightly.
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