Flower Care

Care and conditioning tips for cut flowers

People often hesitate to buy fresh flowers because they think they can't get them to last more than a couple of days. Some flowers are short-lived, but most commercially grown flowers will last at least a week if treated right. Commercially-grown flowers are specially treated after cutting, which means they will last longer than varieties cut from the garden.

Conditioning is the term florists use to mean getting the flowers ready for arranging. By following these few simple steps you can get extra life and pleasure from your flowers.

The Flowers & Plants Association recommends the following simple tips, based on the latest extensive scientific research, to ensure that your flowers last longer and look lovelier:

1. Clean all vases with bleach & rinse thoroughly, as bacteria harms flowers.
2. Fill your vase with luke warm water & flowers preservative. You only need to use about half a teaspoon of preservative at a time.
3. Strip all leaves below the water level.
4. Take at least 3cm (1") off all stems, making a slanted cut with a sharp knife or very sharp scissors.
5. Keep fresh cut flowers out of direct sunlight, draughts & from heating & cooling appliances.
6. Keep flowers away from fruit and remove faded flowers as they occur.
7. Top up the water regularly and add flower food in proportion. Change the water every few days. If your arrangement is in Oasis (green foam) water once a day, ensuring the foam never dries out.