From The Gardens

Flowers cut from your garden will last longer in bouquets and arrangements if they are properly conditioned.  The flowers should be prepared by stripping off all the lower leaves so there will be no foliage below the water line.  Cut the stem ends at an angle, so that the maximum amount of water will be absorbed.  Stand the stems in a container of water for a few hours to absorb the water.

Some flowers require additional treatment.  For example, woody stems would benefit from splitting or smashing the stem ends for greater water absorption.

The stems of poppies, hydrangeas, and chrysanthemums should be immersed in boiling water to prolong their life in arrangements.  Wrap the flower heads in paper to protect them from the steam, dip the stems in 2”-3” of boiling water for 2 minutes, remove and place in deep cold water.  The boiling water not only kills any bacteria it also forces air out of the stems enabling them to absorb the cold water.

Wilted roses may be revived by re-cutting the stems, using the boiling water method, and then standing the stems in cold water up to the base of the wrapped flower head.

Euphorbia and poppies last longer if the stems are seared with a flame to prevent the sap from dispersing in the water.  The charred end prevents leakage but allows water absorption.

Hollow stemmed flowers like delphinium and lupin are turned upside down, the stems filled with water and then plugged with a bit of cotton.  Place tape or rubber band around the stem end to prevent splitting, then stand in tepid water.

Weak stemmed flowers such as gerbera daisys may be clustered together with the upper ¾ of the stems wrapped in paper, placed in cool water for about 2 hours.  The cells will stiffen with the absorption of water and will then be able to stand on their own.

Most flower buds will open after being cut, so peony, foxglove, iris and daylily may be cut as the buds begin to unfurl.

Cut clustered type flowers such as astilbe, salvia, phlox and lilac  when half of the individual florets have opened.