The Freeze Dry Process

The freeze dry process is a near perfect method of preservation.  After careful preparation,  each flower is preserved by our state-of-the-art freeze drier, which slowly extracts all moisture, maintaining the flower's natural size and unique shape.  Freeze drying removes moisture at extremely low temperatures (as low as -40 F degrees) under a vacuum.  Flowers take approximately two weeks to process in the freeze dry machine.  Freeze drying is not a new process; however, some of our best innovations have occurred over the last several years.  Our freeze dry machine is equipped with computerized technology to allow for a balanced preservation cycle.  New pre-treatments allow for true color to be better captured and maintained.  Slight color changes will occur in all flowers:  white to ivory, red to burgundy, pinks deepen, etc. Over time, these shades take on a softer, Victorian look.

Each bouquet is photographed several times, then carefully taken apart and each flower is re-hydrated and pre-treated according to its type and color.  Ribbons, hankies, pins and other bouquet accessories are cleaned, pressed and catalogued along with the photographs.  Flowers are placed in holding freezers until space is available in the freeze dryer, so their integrity is maintained.  Once the flowers are freeze dried, they are post-treated with a clear coating that helps protect against humidity and sunlight.

Lone Star Freeze Dry is a member of the International Freeze Dry Floral Association, and the Texas State Florists' Association.