Flowers do need love & care, they need professional florists to apply their specialised care and knowledge and most of all they need a good home. The most important things for cut flowers are: to have water, to be free from bacteria, to be away from heat such as direct sunlight or heaters, and to be away from draughts.
How you can help extend the life of your flowers:
Flowers in floral foam – Flowers are inserted into a special oasis foam that enables them to drink water whilst minimising the chance of large volumes of water spillages. Make sure to check the water levels every day or so, and top up with water to just cover the oasis foam.
Cut flowers – Re-cut the stems by about 2-3cm when you receive them and put in fresh tepid (room temperature) water. Add the floral preservative we have supplied, this contains nutrients for the flowers and anti-bacterial solutions to help keep the water clean. Change the water and re-cut the stems at least every 2 days.
Roses: Re-cut 2-3cm with sharp secateurs off the stems underwater, if possible. If you can’t manage this, re-cut stems one at a time and place in clean water as soon as the cut has been made. Don’t leave roses out of water for long – if they are out for more than 20 minutes re-cut each stem again and place in water immediately.
Cold water is best for roses.Water MUST be clean. The best way to do this is to use a floral preservative and top up the vase with clean water every day. Replace the vase water completely every 2 to 3 days – don’t just keep topping it up.
To open tight buds faster, re-cut the stems underwater, then wrap the bunch tightly in paper (not newspaper as the ink may stain the flowers), then place the bunch in deep, warm water. Best depth is if the water reaches to just under the flowerheads. Leave to soak for 2 to 3 hours, but check regularly as buds can open fast.
If flower heads are drooping, blanch the stems, place stems in 2-3cm of boiling water for 10 seconds then immediately place in tepid (room temperature) vase water. This will re-open the cells of the stem and remove any air pockets preventing sufficient water uptake.
Gerberas: Gerberas and Sunflowers have a soft, fuzzy stem that does not like being wet, so if possible only put in shallow water of around 2-3cm, and re-cut the stems and top up the water daily.
Our Gerberas are wired for extra stem support which helps to stop them flopping over, but this can also be prevented by not putting too much water in the vase.
Tulips: Similar to Gerberas, Tulips can feel like they are drowning if too much water, only put in shallow water of around 2-3cm and re-cut the stems daily.
Tulips are also light sensitive and will open and close with varying light levels, they are also one of the few blooms that continue to grow after being cut.
If wilting or opening too quickly put ice in the water and place in a darker position. They are a cool climate flower, so it can be hard for them in our warmer months.
Orchids: If wilting prematurely soak the whole stems in tepid water for 15 minutes or so. Unlike Tulips we find that orchids like the water to be a little warm, only a little! Like baby bottle warm or a comfortable room temperature warm, that should help them to relax and remember their home in the tropics, breathe again, and pick themselves back up.
Carnations: Recut at least 2 cm off each stem above or below the stem node (the small joints in the stems) and place in water immediately. Always use the provided flower preservative sachet as this will help buds open and keep open flowers looking fresh.
Replace the vase water with fresh tepid water every 2 to 3 days.
Carnations are very sensitive to ethylene. Keep them away from fruit, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.
Chrysanthemums: Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately. Always use the provided flower preservative sachet as this will help buds open and keep open flowers looking fresh
Replace vase water every 2 to 3 days.
Chrysanthemums are ethylene producers and should be kept away from ethylene sensitive flowers.
Daffodils: Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in cold water by themselves for 24 hours.You can then combine with other flower types in fresh water and containers after this ’quarantine’ period.
Replace vase water with fresh water every day. Do NOT use a preservative.
These flowers produce a toxic sap that can kill other flowers, such as roses, carnations, freesias and tulips. To avoid this, do not combine narcissus with other flowers immediately after stem ends are cut (they need to be 'qurantined' for 24 hours).
The sap can also cause allergic reactions in some people – so wear gloves when handling.
Peonies: Keep cool at all times.
Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately. Always use a preservative as this will help buds to open and maintain open flowers.
Replace vase water every day.