Flowers, for example, can be cut at the bud stage and at any later stages until just before full flower. Do not use flowers that have begun to fade. Avoid collecting plants when they are wet or moist from dew. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut flowers and plant materials. Select plant materials that are without insect or disease problems.
Place stems in water while harvesting to prevent wilting.
Some flowers may hold color better if allowed to stand in water for a few hours. Start the drying process as soon as possible after cutting. Collect more plant materials than needed to allow for some loss. Some plant materials are naturally dry and require little work to preserve them. Naturally Dry Materials Naturally dry materials include dry grasses, reeds, pine and other cones, and most seed pods.