Cut Flower Care

Choose an appropriate container for the height and type of flowers ordered, ensuring that it provides enough water and support for the stems.

Strip all the foliage, buds and any leaves from the bottom end of the stems ensuring that no foliage will be below the water level. Foliage that is submerged will decay which contaminates the water and will reduce the life of your flowers.

Re-cut all stems to the required length, at a 45 degree angle with clean sharp scissors or secateurs, this will increase the cut surface area and helps with water and nutrient take-up. It also means that the stem end does not sit flat on the vase base, unable to take up water.

Some flowers are prone to bending, for example, bulb flowers and thick stem blooms such as stocks. This is part of their nature and should be enjoyed. To offer extra support cut their stems shorted and work them lower into the design.

Some flowers are prone to drooping, such as geums, palaver and hellebores. Sear the bottom 2.5cm of each stems in boiling water for 20-30 seconds can help them to hold their petals and shape. Drooping roses can sometimes be revived in the same way, always re-cut their stems before searing and ensure that the tops of each stem are protected from rising steam. 

Some flowers, such as daffodils release a milky or clear sticky sap which other flowers do not like. If you wish to mix them in a vase, condition these stems first by cutting them to the required length and placing them on their own in cool water for 4-6 hours first. You can then mix with your design, do not re-cut the stems as this will release the sap again.

At least once a day, check the water level and top up as necessary with clean cold water. 

Every 2 days, re-cut the flowers, clean the vase and change the water, removing any flowers which are past their best or stems that have gone slimy. 

Always place the flowers in a cool position away from direct sunlight, radiators draughts and fires.