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Steps to Longer Lasting Cut Flower Bouquets
So your garden is in full bloom, wouldn’t it be nice to bring a fresh
bouquet into the house or to a friend? Here are some tips for cutting and prolonging your garden blooms.
When
to cut: When I first started researching this topic, “when to cut” meant morning,
noon or night (morning is best). But I discovered that more importantly it is when the flower is at the
right stage to get the longest bloom. Different flowers are cut at different stages; for instance roses
should be cut at bud stage or when the first petal or two unfurl. Snapdragons and gladiolus are best when
half of the flowers on the stem are open. Daisies, zinnias, cosmos and coneflowers should be cut when the
petals are fully opened but the centers are still firm and have not gone to seed. Charts and guides are
available in books and on websites. http://www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/percuts.html
Temperature: Immediately plunge stems into cold water after cutting.
Keep a clean container nearby exclusively for that purpose and carry it out to the garden with you. According
to experts the cold water slows dehydration and decay prolonging the bloom. If you think about it your
florist keeps their cut flowers in a cooler before and after arranging them. Giving your flowers a few
hours in a cool environment before arranging them will help keep your bouquet fresher longer. The one exception
to the cool rule is astilbes. They will last longer if placed in hot water first.
Keep
it Clean: Bacteria will plug stems and keep them from getting water. Make sure pruners, containers,
and vases are kept clean. Floral preservative, purchased from your florist will slow the growth of bacteria
and algae in the water. It is important to strip the flower stems of any foliage that would be underneath
the water line. One last tip; always re-cut the stems when arranging, especially store bought flowers.
Longer
lasting bouquets are not just for the experts….cut and enjoy!
