A little pre-care will keep your flowers looking their best longer
The most fundamental step in flower arranging is to hydrate fresh cut flowers as soon as possible. However basic this act, when left up to interpretation, it can go very wrong.
For starters, when unwrapping flowers from the farmers’ market, flower market or supermarket or even when gathering them from your own backyard garden, it’s quite tempting to select a pretty display vase, fill with water and arrange, then set out and enjoy—all in one sweeping move. While we commend you for putting flowers straight into water, there are a couple steps of pre-strategy that actually prove to keep you flowers looking healthier and more stunning for a prolonged stretch of time.
- When flowers are first home, remove any wrapping around the stems, rubber bands and the like. It’s important, however, to keep on any laminated or corrugated cardboard covering around the blooms, like those that are delivered in Bouquet Box arrangements, during the hydration process.
- Next, trim all stems about 1 to 2 inches (we like to use the floral shears that come in our complimentary Welcome Box). Be sure to cut at a 45 degree angle. Remove any leaves that will fall below the water line.
- Place flowers in cold water—in the sink or a bucket will do nicely. Let sit a minimum of 2 to 4 hours to hydrate before starting to arrange. They can also sit overnight.
- When you are ready to arrange, remaining wrapping can be removed before you begin.
- More about water? Change the water in an arrangement every 2 to 3 days and re-trim any stems whose blossoms are looking a little piqued to rehydrate if possible.
Let us know if you see a difference—we think it’s a good bet that you will!