Caring for Your Flowers

Aug 19

Prepare a Clean Vase: Start with a clean vase to ensure your flowers stay fresh.
Fill with Water: Fill the vase about two-thirds full with cool (not cold, not hot) water.
Add Flower Food: Mix in the flower food provided with your bouquet.
Trim the Stems: Trim the flower stems at an angle to improve water absorption.
Remove Lower Leaves: Any leaves that would be submerged in the water should be removed to prevent bacteria growth.
Arrange Your Blooms: Place your flowers in the vase.
Choose the Right Spot: Flowers last longer in a cool location away from direct sunlight. While a vase on the dining table near a window is beautiful, an arrangement by your bed might last even longer.

Check Water Daily: Ensure your flowers always have enough water—flowers are thirsty!
Refresh the Water: If the water becomes cloudy, change it. Remember to trim the stems again when you do.
Remove Spent Blooms: Different flowers have different vase lives. Remove any wilted flowers to keep the arrangement looking fresh.

To make sure your flowers last as long as possible and look their best, I follow specific steps during harvesting and handling:

Timing is Key: I harvest each flower at its ideal time. For instance, sunflowers continue to open after cutting, but dahlias do not develop much post-harvest.
Early Harvest: Flowers are picked early in the day and placed immediately into cool water with disinfectant and a hydrating solution. Some flowers are watered the evening before harvest.
Cooling/Conditioning Period: Most flowers rest in a cooler for at least 4 hours to hydrate, though dahlias perform best with a 12-hour cooling period. However, certain flowers like zinnias and basil should never be placed in a cooler.
Clean Transportation: Your bouquet is transported in clean water with a holding solution until it reaches you.
Now It’s Your Turn: Once in your hands, clean water and flower food are all your flowers need to keep thriving.

Caring for Amaryllis