Generic Tips

• For perfect freshness pick flowers when halfway between bud and opening. Gather early in the morning when they have had a chance to drink over night or later in the evening never in the middle of the day. Plunge into water as you pick. Always use tepid water and keep vases and buckets clean.
• Condition flowers by soaking in deep water. Cut off the bottom of stems under water to prevent and airlock in the stem.
• Sugar or lemonade can extend the life of cut flowers like Roses. Bleach and salt can also help some flowers.
• Woody stemmed flowers should have the ends crushed. If they show signs of wilting try standing them in hot water for a short time.
• Strip off leaves that would be below the water line and change the water frequently.
• Spring bulb flowers do not need water changes but a pinch of salt should revive them.
• Higher the temperature the faster cut flowers will deteriorate so place arrangements where they won’t be exposed to direct sun, heat from appliances, electric lights, or hot or cold draft.

Flowers needing Special Treatment

• Hydrangeas will last longer if water is taken in through the absorbent head so sink the whole flower into water first then spray the flower heads daily.
• Forsythia should be picked when in tight bud and it will open of its own accord.
• Poppies need to have the end sealed by singeing the cut.
• Daffodils should not be mixed with other flowers as they poison the water.
• Carnations need cutting between nodes as they can’t take up water if cut on a node.
• Remember foliage needs to drink as well so condition foliage too.