Archive | January 22, 2008

Care & Handling of Flowers


How to Lengthen the Life of Your ArrangementTwo of the top questions most people ask when purchasing flowers are “How do I take care of them?” and “How long will they last?” Whether it’s a single bud, a small bunch or an abundant arrangement, a little extra care can make a big difference.Most floral arrangements last between 6-10 days, depending on the types of flowers used and the type of care they receive.The Society of American Florists suggests these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:

For floral arrangements
Keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with water containing a flower food provided by your florist.If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, recut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife.Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, causing flowers to dehydrate.)

For loose bunches or boxed flowers
If you can’t get your flowers in a flower food solution right away, keep them in a cool place. Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.

Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth.

Recut stems with a sharp knife. Do this underwater — this allows the stems to draw in water instead of air — and place the flowers in the vase solution you’ve prepared.

Source – Society of American Florists

Floral Tips: Make ’em Last Longer!


sunshine splendor
Flowers like sunshine while they are growing. It helps them mature to the “picked” stage.

However, cut flowers will deteriorate much faster if exposed to heat and direct sunlight.

To keep flowers fresh longer keep them away from sun and drafts.

 

Flower Trivia


Test your flower knowledge….

Question: Which kind of flower can contain up to a hundred florets in the center “eye?”

Answer will be posted tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by….

Heidi