Gardening
in Panama - Articles
by Donna - The Visitor:
December 4, 2009
Ten Tips for Buying &
Caring for Cut Flowers (and secrets to
making them last longer)
By Donna Dawson
It’s a special occasion and you want to get
some flowers…what do you look for? Here are
a few things to look for to ensure that your
choice will last as long possible and give
you maximum enjoyment.
Make your selection from those
flowers furthest from your reach.
Flowers are rotated according to their
age and you can be sure, the oldest ones
will usually be the easiest to access.
If flowers are displayed in a tiered
fashion and you have a choice, make your
selection from the upper tiers. When you
pull a bouquet from the bucket, notice
how drops of water fall onto the lower
bouquets. This causes mold and brown
spots on those flowers. Try to avoid
dripping on surrounding flowers as much
as possible.
Look for erect heads and stems. If a
stem, head or tip of a flower is
drooping or bent, the flower is old or
it can no longer draw water.
If you see wilted petals, or even
worse, loose, fallen petals, avoid that
bunch. Petals should be bright and
vibrant.
Watch for signs of browning edges or
brown spots on petals.
If it feels firm and tight, then
it’s alright. When buying roses, gently
squeeze the base of the head. Purchase
roses with the fewest cracked petals and
the tightest heads.
Yellowing leaves and stems are a
sure sign that that bouquet is on its
last legs. Watch for slime on the stems.
Also look for the freshest cut on the
stems. A dark ring around the base means
the cut is old and the flower hasn’t
been able to drink as much as it wants
to.
Don’t buy flowers with loose pollen
on the petals.
Once you’ve made your purchase, get
it home as soon as possible and follow
these guidelines:
If you’re not going to arrange them
right away, remove the wrapping, cut the
string or rubber band and put the
flowers into a clean sink or bucket of
warm water (except chrysanthemums which
prefer cool water).
Arrange them in the container as soon
as practical. Your vase or container
should be clean. Bacteria is a flower’s
worst enemy!
Treat the water with the package of
flower food usually contained in the
bouquet.
Remove all leaves and foliage below the
water’s surface. They are another source
of bacteria and they will make your
arrangement stink!
Cut ALL stems at an angle just before
putting them into the vase. They will be
able to drink more water.
To extend the life of your arrangement
give the stems a fresh cut each day and
add fresh water.