Conditioning Fresh Flowers . . .

Create a flower cooler by placing flowers in an open ice chest !

As the new year begins, the Holiday decorations are coming down, and the weather is getting colder. Fresh flowers are a great way to brighten the surroundings. Make your fresh 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.
       Arrange flowers and fill container with water.
       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 container filled with warm water, also with 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. This can be simulated by placing the containers in open ice chests with a bag of ice. Place the flowers in a cooler place. Allow the flowers to remain in the cooling area about 24 hours. Add more ice if needed to keep the water cool.

Arrange the flowers in a container of your choice. Make sure the water used for the arrangement is conditioned with floral preservative. Place the arrangement in a place away from warm drafts. Check the water every couple of days to make sure the water is not contaminated by bacteria. When changing the water, replace with cold water conditioned with floral preservative.