Conditioning Flowers

Different varieties of flowers need different care regimes, but it's well worth taking a few simple steps upon your flowers delivery to extend their vase life.

Firstly, all flowers need to be cut on a slant, approx. 2cm off the bottom on the stem. Foliage which would be under the waterline, needs to be stripped off so it is not in the water. Foliage like this will only turn the water stale quicker, and take water away from the flower head, so vase life of the flower is shortened.

Water needs to be changed daily, ensuring that the vase is washed clean, water to be tepid not cold or hot. It is a good idea to add flower food, which when buying cut flowers from a good retailer, you will receive free. This prolongs the flowers life and protects the water from bacteria which again shortens the flower life.

Anniversary flowers

Some flowers such as tulips have soft stems and are prone to drooping. To keep your birthday or anniversary flowers at their best, if they are not being used on the day of the flowers delivery it is a good idea to wrap the stems in newspaper or similar and place upright in water overnight.

Tulips particularly do tend to grow over the side of a vase anyway, this is due to the fact they continue to grow even as a cut flowers. The stem can grow up to 10cm or more. You will find that a tall vase is best to prevent curling over the top of the vase and hanging down.

Roses can also tend to drop over at the head if they get an airlock in the stem. This can be rectified by cutting the stem on a slant underwater and placing into approx. 3cm of boiling water for 5minutes, then place into tepid water and it should revive if caught in time.

Rose foliage does need to be stripped from the stem so it is not under the water line. Thorns can be removed from the stem, but be aware that if not careful these open sites up the stem can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Buy anniversary flowers

Last Update: 3rd April 2007