Condition Fresh Cut Flowers . . .

Create a “Flower Cooler” to help condition fresh cut blooms!!

We had a lot of customers that commented on the longtime freshness of the blooms in our arrangements. In my opinion, this was because of the steps we took to condition the flowers. We took these steps days before the flowers were used. Make your fresh cut blooms last longer by following the steps used by florists.
 
Let’s look at those steps:
       Select fresh blooms.
       Cut flower stems underwater.
       Place cut stems in warm water.
       Allow flowers to drink overnight.
       Place in cooler for 24 hours.
       Fill container with water and arrange flowers.
       Keep water in container clean by changing water frequently.

Look for flowers that have bright green leaves, blooms, and some blooms that are still in the bud stage. Centers of the blooms should be firm. Outer petals should have very few blemishes.

Cut the stems of the flowers underwater, in warm water conditioned with floral preservative. Place the cut flowers in a clean, filled with warm water and floral preservative. Allow the flowers to drink in a warm area at least overnight.

In flower shops, after the flowers have drank overnight, the containers are placed in a cooler for about 24 hours. Temperature is about 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

I simulate a cooler by placing the vessels of flowers in open ice chests filled with ice. Place the ice chest of flowers in a space that is dark and well ventilated. Allow the flowers to remain in the cooling area about 24 hours. Add more ice if needed to keep the water cool. The water temperature should be the cool beer temperature!

​When arranging the flowers for a floral design, fill the vase with fresh, warm that has floral presentative added. These steps should also benefit flowers out of the garden!