How to cut Fresh Flowers

Everyone enjoys fresh cut flowers from the garden, but how do you properly care for the flowers so the blooms last longer and plants stay healthier? There are a few simple things you can do to properly cut and keep your fresh flowers and have beautiful bouquets for much longer.

How to properly cut fresh flowers:

1. Fill your clean vase with cool water, adding 1 tablespoon of flower food or 1 teaspoon of bleach to every gallon of water to prevent bacterial growth (bacterial growth will shorten the flower's vase life).
2. Remove all foliage that might fall below the water line as well as damaged foliage and all thorns.
3. While holding the flower stem under cool, running water, cut at least two inches off the bottom of each stem at a sharp angle to maximize water uptake. Place cut flowers in vase immediately.
4. Split or mash woody plants stems with a hammer at least two inches above the cut to further encourage them to absorb water. Most woody stems will benefit from a warm water soak for the first hour following a fresh cut.
5. Maintain proper water levels at all times and avoid extreme conditions when placing your final bouquet.

Special Techniques and Quick Fixes:

• To straighten curled stems, most notably Tulips, carefully wrap the entire bunch of flowers in a damp newspaper forming a straight tube. Secure with a rubber band and submerge in water for an hour or two. Unwrap and the stems should have straightened.