Flower Care

While different flowers have different needs, there are some simple and logical rules that apply to all flowers:

• As soon as possible after receiving flower cut 2 to 4 cm from the base of the stems (use sharp scissors or secaturs) and cut at an angle.
• Put flowers into water as soon as possible after receiving them
• Strip all leaves below the water line
• Most flowers are badly affected by the ethylene released from fruit - keep your flowers away from fruit
• Store flowers in a cool place, away from drafts and not near appliances that emit radition and/or heat such as TV's, Heaters, and Microwaves.

Here are some specific tips for some of the main flower varieties:

Use tepid water	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Add flower preservative	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Change water every 2nd day	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Daily
After 2 days remove 2 - 3 outer petals from bud	Yes
If flowers start to drop add fresh water with ice cubes and re-cut stems	Yes
Recut stems after 3 days			Yes
No more than 5 cm of water in vase		Yes
Remove Stamens from flowers				Yes
Don’t cut stems on angle but split stems					Yes
Dip 2cm of stems in just boiled water for about 5 seconds before putting in vase					Yes
Spray flower heads with cold water (or dip in cold water when weather is hot/dry - do in cool of morning/evening					Yes
Recut Stems daily						Yes	Yes

FLOWER FOOD: You can make your own (scale to your requirements):
1 ml white vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon of household bleach; 2 teaspoons of sugar and 10 litres of water (warm) - or just water in bleach if you are in a hurry.