Processing flowers refers to the conditioning steps taken immediately after cutting or purchasing blooms to maximize their vase life. Proper processing ensures a continuous flow of water and nutrients to the flower head while inhibiting the growth of decay-causing microorganisms. Attention to these details significantly extends the period flowers remain fresh and fully hydrated.
Immediate Preparation and Handling
The initial steps taken when flowers arrive are the most important for ensuring a long vase life, focusing on hydration and hygiene. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the vase with soap and water to remove microbial residue that could contaminate the fresh water. The focus then shifts to the stems themselves to ensure maximum water uptake.
Stems must be recut to re-open the plant’s vascular system, which can seal with air bubbles, a condition known as an air embolism. Using a sharp, clean tool, cut approximately one inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. Cutting the stem under running water or fully submerged prevents air from entering the newly exposed xylem, the channels responsible for water transport.
Any foliage that would sit below the water line must be stripped away. Submerged leaves decompose rapidly, creating a food source for bacteria and fungi in the water. This microbial growth quickly clogs the cut ends of the stems, impeding water absorption and causing premature wilting. After preparation, flowers benefit from a brief period of deep hydration in a cool, dark location for a few hours before being placed on display.
Essential Care for Longevity
Maintaining the freshness of an arrangement requires routine care addressing nutrition, water quality, and environment. Commercial flower food is formulated with three compounds superior to plain water for extending life. The formula contains sugars, typically sucrose, which provide the necessary energy source for the flower’s metabolic processes.
The second component is an acidifier, often citric acid, which lowers the water’s pH level to a slightly acidic range. This acidic environment is optimal for water uptake and nutrient absorption, which tap water often inhibits due to its more alkaline nature. The food also includes a biocide, such as a chlorine compound, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi that clog the stem’s vascular tissue.
The water in the vase should be changed completely every one to two days, not just topped up, to remove accumulating bacteria and decaying organic matter. When changing the water, the vase should be rinsed thoroughly to remove any slimy residue. Flowers should also be positioned away from environmental stressors to reduce the rate of transpiration and decay.
Arrangements should not be placed in direct sunlight, near drafts, or next to heat sources like radiators, as these conditions accelerate moisture loss. Ethylene gas, a plant hormone produced by ripening fruit, is a threat because it causes flowers to age and drop petals rapidly. Monitoring the arrangement for spent blooms, known as deadheading, is important, as decaying material introduces microbes and diverts the plant’s energy away from healthy flowers.
Long-Term Preservation Techniques
When the goal shifts from extending vase life to permanent preservation, different techniques are used to remove moisture and halt the natural decay process. Air drying is the most traditional method, working best for robust flowers like roses and lavender. This involves gathering small bunches, tying them with string, and hanging them upside down in a warm, dark, dry space for several weeks.
For flowers with a naturally flat profile, such as cosmos or violas, pressing is an effective technique. Blooms are placed between sheets of absorbent material, like blotting paper, and pressed firmly between heavy books or a dedicated press for three to four weeks. This removes moisture and creates a lasting, two-dimensional specimen ideal for crafts or framing.
Using a desiccant like silica gel is the superior method for maintaining a flower’s original three-dimensional shape and color vibrancy. The fine crystalline powder is poured around the blooms in an airtight container, where it actively draws out moisture. This method is quicker than air drying, often taking three days to one week, and is effective for preserving the full form of thick-petaled flowers like peonies or roses.