Master these cut flower tips to keep your blooms looking fresh and vibrant. As a result, you can enjoy their beauty for days on end.
Flower Arranging Classes
A few years ago, I enrolled in flower-arranging classes. As a result, I learned a bit about flowers and had the opportunity to experiment with various varieties. Initially, I doubted my natural ability to design arrangements, as I had never tried flower arranging before. However, I learned that with the right environment—plenty of flowers and a creative teacher with a vast knowledge of plants—designing and arranging can indeed be taught.
Horticultural Expertise
The class was led by a knowledgeable horticulturist and experienced florist named George. His family had been in the floral business for generations. On class days, he gathered older flowers the florist no longer wanted to use and packed them into an old station wagon that had seen better days. Peppered in with the older flowers were boxes of fresh, beautiful flowers. Some were exotic tropical varieties, while others were highly desirable ones like peonies and ranunculus.
Throughout the sessions, George shared valuable insights into horticulture, botany, and design. He encouraged us to experiment with a variety of flowers, not just our favorites. Although I never became a master flower designer, George’s encouragement helped me create a few masterpieces. The following are some practical tips George shared during our class time.
Cut Flower Water Tips
First and foremost, George advised us to change the water in cut arrangements every day. This practice offers the best protection against bacteria and helps keep the flowers fresh for longer. If daily changes aren’t feasible, he suggested adding a small amount of bleach to the water to kill bacteria. However, never put bleach in the water of dyed flowers, as it can strip the color from them.
Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that foliage or blooms do not fall below the waterline, as this can lead to decay and promote bacterial growth. Lastly, soak wet foam, like Oasis, until it is heavily saturated, which may take 30 minutes or more, to ensure proper hydration for the flowers.
Caring for Stems
When you bring cut flowers home, it’s essential to cut the stems again to create a fresh surface for water uptake. Cutting the flower stems at an angle increases their surface area, improving water absorption. If you find wilted woody-stemmed flowers that won’t perk up, try trimming the stems and placing them in a vase of very hot water for a short time. This technique can often revive the flowers. To revive wilted hydrangeas, soak the blossoms, including the stems, in a sink of water for 30 minutes to an hour (or longer if needed) to help hydrate the flower heads.
Cut Flower Tips: Petals and Pollen
To enhance the appearance of aging flowers, such as roses, simply pull off the dried outer petals. If you would like to open a rose for a fuller look, roll the stem between your palms to open it without damaging the petals.
When using lilies, allow them to open and then cut off the pollen-filled stamens. Avoid touching the pollen, as it can stain your fingers and the flowers. For easier handling, hold the flowers upside down over a trash can and cut off the stamens with scissors. Then gently tap them afterward to remove any loose pollen.
Cut Flower Tips: Odds and Ends
Keep in mind that blue flowers do not show up well from a distance; this is an important consideration when planning arrangements for larger venues like churches or wedding halls.
Adding bright yellow or white flowers can enliven a dull arrangement.
Additionally, flowers thrive in cooler areas, so placing vases in the refrigerator overnight can prolong their freshness. During winter, consider using a cold garage or basement at night, provided it stays above freezing.
If you want to rid fresh-picked peonies of ants, submerge them in a bucket of water for a short while.
Gather green filler stems and flowers from the outdoors while they’re in bloom. If you’re not well-versed in identifying plants, consider using an identification app to avoid accidentally selecting any poisonous varieties before you start cutting.
These practices and tips will help you enjoy your flowers longer and enhance your arrangements!
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