due to varietal character and also reaction of flower colour to
drying method. Interaction effects of cultivars and harvest stages
on floral characteristics showed significant differences (Fig.2).
The stability of colouring pigments increases with advancement
in the stage of harvest due to which flower colour at half bloom
stage was better. In flowers harvested at tight bud stage colour
was light and flowers did not open fully. After drying, colour
faded. It reveals that different cultivars and different harvesting
stages had significant effect on dry flower colour and longevity.
Similarly, Datillo (2001) reported that rose colours that dry well
and retain bright colour include orange, medium and dark yellow,
medium red, medium and dark pink. Dark red tends to turn black
and light pink becomes pale.