Flower Care

Caring for Cut Flowers - Bouquets & Arrangements

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

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 and bleach if you are in a hurry.