Evaluation of different methods for drying of Eryngium planum and Echinops ritro flowers

Abstract

The plants of the genres Eryngium and Echinops assume distinctive ornamental qualities, being appreciated both in landscaping design and in floral art. In this paper are presented results regarding the drying of cut flowers obtained from Eryngium planum and Echinops ritro, with the purpose of utilization as immortelles. The drying of the inflorescences was achieved by two methods, respectively, simple drying in the darkand using a desiccant (silica gel). The results obtained showthat for both species,the drying time is shorter and the water is eliminated in a higher percentage when using silicate. Eryngium inflorescences dried with silica gel have more intense blue tone; at Echinops ritro have been obtained the immortelles with similar aesthetic features with both drying methods.