It is very discouraging,
after sending a beautiful flower
bouquet, to find the blossoms and
foliage completely wilted within a few
hours. The importance of correct
care for cut flowers cannot be
over-emphasized and your flower's length of life
may be increased by following a few
simple rules.1.
Always remember that a cut flower is a
living organism and should never suffer
from lack of moisture. Remember,
water is the cradle of all life on this
planet! Long exposure to dry
and/or warm air will hasten wilting and
complete floral collapse.
2. It is far
better to use flowers which have been
cut and placed in water for a period of
6 to 12 hours. It is dangerous to
keep freshly cut flowers out of water
for more than a few minutes. The
best time for cutting blooms is early in
the morning; your florist prepares his
cut stock in this manner. Why not
follow this practice in caring for your
own garden blooms?
3. Removal of a
small portion of the end of the stem
will freshen the water absorbing surface
of the flower stalk. Always use a
sharp knife, and if possible, cut the
stem while holding it under running
water.
4. Only a few
flowers, as the poinsettia (often
misspelled "pointsetta") and the
dahlia, respond to special treatment of
the stem. Immersing the lower few
inches of the flower stalk in water
(temperature 140° F.) will add to the
keeping quality. The same
treatment is beneficial for any wilted
blooms and foliage. Keep the stem
in hot water for a few seconds and then
place directly in cold water.
5. Clean, cold
water is the best medium for keeping cut
flowers, and removal to a cool room or
cellar overnight will add days to the
lifespan.
6. In hot
weather, the lower leaves of succulent
flowers, as asters and chrysanthemums,
should be removed before arranging in a
vase. The excess foliage harbors
bacteria which cause decay and foul
conditions in the container.
7. Water in
flower vases should be changed often;
once per day is definitely recommended.
8. The primary
cause for the short life of many blooms
is the warm dry air of the living room.
Sometimes a furnace blowing warm air
directly on the flower bouquet is to
blame.
9. The addition
of chemicals has little effect on the
keeping qualities of flowers.
10. Deep
vases
and bowls are superior to the shallow
types as more water comes in contact
with the stems.
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