If you don't trim your flowers before putting them on display, you're not enjoying them to their fullest potential.The process only takes a few seconds, but can add days to the lifespan of most garden-variety flowers.Cut the stems at a slight angle with a pair of shears or scissors and place them in fresh water.You can keep your flowers looking great by watering them regularly.
Step 1: Underneath the blossom, hold the flower.
Don't bend or strain the stem if you lightly grip it.There should be plenty of space between your hand and the stem for your own safety.The delicate blossom should not be handled.
Step 2: The stem should be cut at a slight angle.
Take off the bottom 2–3 inches with a pair of shears or scissors.The cut should be done quickly and neatly.An angle cut increases the exposed surface area of the stems, which will allow them to take in more water.The tool you use should be able to make clean cuts.The stems can go bad faster if they are damaged or messed with.
Step 3: Cut bunches of flowers.
If you're cutting flowers for a bouquet or mixed arrangement, start by grouping them into a bundle.The stems should be roughly the same length.Attach the stems one by one and hold the center of the bundle.You're more likely to harm the stems if you try to cut them all at once.
Step 4: The leaves need to be removed from the stem.
Use your shears or scissors to clip the thorns on the leaves.Stripping the foliage will prevent it from decaying and tainting the water.The flowers can cluster together better inside the vase.To clear the stems, aim to reach two-thirds of the way up.
Step 5: The flowers should be in a vase.
Run fresh, room temperature water into the vase.If you can, use a distilled variety because the chemicals in tap water can cause the flowers to die off faster.Make sure you get the stems into water as soon as possible because they can reseal themselves in a matter of seconds.It's important that the water is not warmer than the room temperature.The best way to expose fresh flowers to water is to cut them under a stream of water.If you want your flowers to last as long as possible, you might consider giving this method a try.
Step 6: The stems should be trimmed once every few days.
After a while, the ends of the stems will become dull and less moist.They are kept healthy and hydrated by periodically cutting them.You will only need to cut about 2 inch from the stem for each cut.Cut the flower above the brown or discolored spots.These may be signs of disease.People only cut their flowers once.By keeping them a little at a time, you can keep them alive for a long time.
Step 7: When you get the flowers home, cut them again.
If you pick up flowers from the store or florist, you'll want to refresh the stems by trimming them an additional half an inch, even if they've already been cut.This applies to flowers that have been delivered or grown in a greenhouse.Always trim and peck fresh flowers no matter where they came from.
Step 8: The water needs to be changed daily.
It's a good idea to replace the water in your flower vase as soon as it starts to get murky.Don't hesitate to top off the water level if you notice that it's getting low, fresh flowers need a lot to drink.Adding a pinch of plant food will help your flowers grow.To refill the water in large decorative arrangements, tilt the vase over the sink to empty it, then use a measuring cup or watering can.A long wait between waterings can cause the blossoms to rot and produce an unpleasant smell.
Step 9: To keep the flowers nourished, add plant food to the water.
Since cut flowers have been separated from their root system, they won't be able to survive as long as they would in the soil.You can prepare your flowers for their new environment by sprinkling half a packet of organic plant food into the vase prior to placing them.It is possible to slow the growth of mold andbacteria with the help of plant food.Plants can be purchased in the home-and-garden section of most supermarkets.You can make your own plant food by combining sugar, lemon juice, and bleach in a quart of water.The mixture should be put into the vase.
Step 10: It's a good idea to keep your flowers cool.
Mild to moderate conditions are the best for most types of flowers.It's ideal to have temperatures between 65 and 72 F, but a few degrees higher or lower shouldn't make a difference.Make sure your flowers get plenty of sunlight, but keep them away from the most intense glare to prevent them from overheating.Orchids and roses prefer a warmer environment.It's a good idea to store these flowers in the kitchen or outdoors on a sunny day.It's fine to keep the water at room temperature.Adding a couple small ice cubes to the water may help the blooms survive a little longer.
Step 11: Fresh flowers can be found first thing in the morning.
The best time to put together a bouquet is early in the day before the weather gets too warm, and the flowers are full of water.You'd be starting off on the wrong foot if you cut flowers in the middle of the day.If you can't get your flowers in the morning, you should wait until the evening when the temperature is cooler.
Step 12: In the water, store fresh-cut flowers.
While cutting or picking flowers, carry a bucket of room temperature water with you to keep them in until you find a more permanent home.When they are separated from the root system, there is less chance that they will dehydrating and become sickly.If you are going to be in the garden for a while, take the flowers inside or leave them in a dim garage.It's better if they don't spend a lot of time in the midday sun.You shouldn't put fresh flowers in the same murky water if you refill the bucket between batches.
Step 13: There are sappy stems on the flowers.
It's hard for the stem to take in water from some garden species that have a thick, milky sap when they're first cut.The best way to deal with this is to place the flowers in hot water immediately after trimming them, or to boil the lower ends of the stems for a few seconds.You'll care for them the same way you would any other flower.You can wave the flame over the bottom of the stem if you have a lighter.The cells that make the sap are destroyed when the stems are exposed to heat.