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| Hydration and Conditioning: Critical to beautiful long lasting flowers is your treatment of the
flowers after purchase or harvest.
STEP 1 is to remove all foliage that will be below the
water level of the vase. If this foliage is left on the stem it will decompose in
the vase. Dirty vase water will produce ethylene which will cause early flower
death. Dirty vase water will also enhance the growth of bacteria and fungi which
will block the flower stems. |
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| Gently pull off all of the leaves taking care to not scrape the
stems. If the stem is scraped and the xylem is damaged the uptake of water will be
impeded. This is most important when removing thorns from roses. There are
several "hand stripping tools" available in the marketplace.
Unfortunately, most can cause damage to the flower stem. We recommend the use of a
soft, but impenetrable glove for the removal of rose
thorns and foliage, which will prevent damage to both the rose stem and your hands.
(available in our SHOPPING pages) |
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STEP 2 is to rehydrate the flower. To do this you will need a
sharp knife and a dish-tub filled with warm water. Hold the end of the flower stem
under water, and using a sharp knife cut off at an angle, at least two inches of the
stem end. All the time holding the stem end under water. This new cut opens
up the water-conducting vessels of the xylem. The cut is done under water to prevent
air from entering the new cut. Then lift the flower straight up and out of the
cutting tub, retaining a drop of water on the cut stem end. Place the flower in a
holding vase filled with a solution of water and Floral Preservative / Food.
Never use scissors or shears when cutting
flower stems. The two blade cut of scissors and shears squeezes the stem and crushes
the water-conducting vessels of the xylem. |
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