- Make sure vase is clean. Bacteria is the number one reason flowers do not last as long as they should and the proper place to begin is with a clean vase.
- Fill the vase to ¾ capacity with fresh lukewarm water.
- Take one of the packets of flower food you have received with your flowers and empty it into the vase. This flower food will prevent bacteria from growing, assist the blooms in opening, and prolong the life of the flowers.
- Strip all of the leaves that will fall below the water line in the vase.
- Cut at least one inch off each stem with a sharp knife. The cut should be clean and on an angle to increase the amount of water uptake by the stem.
- Place in an area free from any drafts and direct sunlight. Also, do not place near fruit as it gives off ethylene gas which is harmful to your flowers.
- After two or three days, replace the water in the vase and use the second packet of flower food. Re-cut the stems.
Special Notes for Alstroemeria:
Leaves will wilt before the flowers. If desired leaves can be removed before flowers are placed in a vase. Blooms should last about two weeks in water. Take care in transporting the flowers as the stem joints are brittle and easily broken.
Special Notes for Daffodils:
Daffodils and narcissi have sap which is toxic to other flowers. Display separately, leave in water on their own for at least 12 hours before mixing with other flowers and do not re-cut the stems. If kept cool they will last about 1 week.
Special Notes for Freesia:
Make sure they have plenty of water and never let the stem ends dry out. Pinch out the topmost buds and remove the old flower heads to encourage new ones to open. Keep away from fruit, vegetables, and excess heat, as they are very sensitive to the ethylene gas produced.
Special Notes for Gerbera:
Gerbera enjoy a warmer environment and like bright light, but not direct sunlight. Be sure to keep the water and the vase clean as gerbera are quite susceptible to bacteria.
Special Notes for Iris:
Iris enjoy a cooler environment and will last longer if kept out of the heat.
Special Notes for Lilies:
Lilies will drink a lot of water so be careful to make sure the vase does not dry out. Also, as the lilies open, remove the stamen in the center of the blooms. The stamen will develop a powdery residue that stains as they begin to pollinate and drop from the blooms.
Special Notes for Roses:
Guard petals (the outermost petals on the rose head) were left on the heads of your roses to protect them during shipping. You can peel them back and remove them if they have become bruised. Be very careful to follow the above steps to prolong the life of your roses. Be careful of the thorns as they can be quite tricky to work with. Do not remove them, however, as this will cause wounds on the stems which will provide entry for bacteria. A clean cut is also very important; do not crush the stems as this will impede the uptake of water severely. Should the heads of the roses go limp, stand them in warm water up to their necks to revive them. Keeping them in a cool spot will prevent this from happening.
Special Notes for Snapdragons:
Snapdragons are very sensitive to their environment and special care should be made to follow the directions in (6) above. Also, the top 2 inches of the flowers can be removed to encourage the rest of the blooms to open and to prevent curvature of the stems; this is, however, the decision of the person caring for them. They can also be left as they are and enjoyed either way.
Special Notes for Tulips:
Tulips drink an exceptional amount of water so the water level in the vase should be carefully monitored. They will continue to grow in the vase and stretch towards the light. If they bend out of control, simply wrap them in newspaper for a day to straighten them out, keeping them in the vase to maintain hydration. Thank you for your consideration of Bloom Depot,
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