Selecting and Preparing Flowers for Arranging

Tips for a better bouquet

Here are some tips on everything from purchasing the best flowers for making bouquets and arrangements to preserving their fresh-cut look. Take a little time to prepare your flowers before you display them and they'll reward you with vibrant color and sweet fragrance for days to come.

First, only purchase or cut firm, plump flowers. Look for unbroken clean stems with buds that are already showing color, if not in full bloom. Healthy leaves indicate a healthy plant, so steer clear of signs of disease and insects (holes, brown spots).

Since flowers are almost 90% water, water is important to keeping them firm, fresh and alive. Always cut your flower stems under running water. It will preserve them longer and give them a longer vase life.

Speaking of vases, only keep flowers in clean containers because bacteria develops in dirty containers which clogs the stems and prevents water circulation. Try scrubbing containers with a mild bleach solution before and after each use.

Cut flowers also respond to water temperature. Warm water encourages buds and closed flowers to open, while cool temperatures will slow down development adding to the longevity of a blooming arrangement. Never go to extremes of hot or cold. Flowers droop and wilt when placed in hot water and die quickly in very cold water.

Remember to feed your flowers. Floral preservatives are special mixtures of chemicals that have been developed and perfected to prolong the life of flowers. There are many brands of preservatives available in both liquid and powder form available at florist shops, craft stores and at many markets. Be sure to follow the instructions. Some flowers, such as Irises or Daffodils, are naturally short-lived (3-4 days), while others, such as lilies or carnations, can last two weeks or more.