March 04, 2002

By: Laura Elderton
Website: http://www.flowers-gifts-cards.com

florist hints for preserving fresh flowers and roses

A fresh cut done right will encourage the plant to draw in all the water it needs. Some florists would advise you to cut the stems underwater and other florists would have you give one hammer blow to the bottom inch of the stem. Either way make sure the flowers are absorbing enough water. Always cut your fresh flowers stems with a slant cut to remove any bacteria or algae affected material. Take off all the leaves that would be standing in the water and contributing to bacterial or algae growth. Remember to change the water every second day; you could give your flowers a fresh chance by recutting their stems every few days. All hairy-stemmed flowers such as gerbera daisies and irises need to be treated a bit differently: they should be placed in water no more than 3 inches (7 cm.) deep, and the stem cut is horizontal, not on an angle.

Before arranging your fresh flowers, check each stem. Cut off any tired flowers and leaves. ‘Guard petals’ are often left around the buds of roses for shipping purposes: if they look bruised or torn, they may be carefully removed, to expose new fresh petals. If the soft stems of flowers like tulips and gerberas need to be straightened, take a tip from your florist. Simply wrap the flowers in brown paper or damp newspaper and stand them upright in a bit of water for a few hours. As they reach up toward the light, their stems will automatically straighten. Gerberas daisies sometimes need the support of wire. Cut medium wire longer than the flower and stem. Poke a short bit of the wire through the side of the flower head, bend downward in a loop toward the stem: this will secure the wire, and protect you from the sharp end. Wind the rest of the wire in a spiral down around the stem. Remember to stir floral preservative or 1/2 tsp. of sugar and a few drops of bleach into the water before you start. Feeding the flowers will certainly prolong their life.

Flower lovers need to understand about ethylene gas and how it can make flowers mature very quickly. Ethylene is all around us: in car exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke, and is given off by rubbish, fungi, bacteria and ripening fruit. The more ethylene in the air, the earlier the cut flowers will mature. Some flowers have been pretreated against the effects of ethylene, a natural plant hormone, at the growers' or florists'. This treatment extends their life by between 50% and 75% longer over untreated flowers. Some flowers are more vulnerable to the effects of ethylene than others. Carnations show the most dramatic effects when stored at room temperature with ripe tomatoes or apples; untreated carnations can wither overnight. Other symptoms of the effects of ethylene are yellowing leaves and leaf drop, and the failure of buds to develop properly. Ethylene sensitive flowers include alstroemeria, roses, most species of dianthus or carnations, freesias and several others. Even though most flowers have been pretreated it would not be wise to store your fruit right next to your fresh flowers. Now you can enjoy the very creative pastime of arranging your flowers, flowers that will give you pleasure for a long time.

About The Author:

Laura Elderton is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.flowers-gifts-cards.com.  She has loved flowers for over 35 years, worked with them in the industry and enjoys designing and gift giving for all occasions.