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Allied Florists of Houston

The Association of Professional Florists

...When only the best will do.

CARE AND HANDLING
OF FLOWERS

Most floral arrangements last at least three or four days. Many flowers last a week. Some even longer. How long a floral arrangement lasts depends greatly on the type of flowers included. Carnations and chrysanthemums are very long lasting. Roses generally last five to seven days. More delicate flowers, such as tulips and iris only last about three days.

The care flowers receive also determines their vase life. Professional florists "process" flowers as they arrive in the flower shop. They are rehydrated and conditioned with a floral preservative solution and held in a controlled temperature environment until they are purchased.

For floral arrangements received from a florist:

Add water upon receipt. The water level is often reduced to avoid spillage during delivery. As much water as possible should be added. Do not empty the water and refill. The water provided by the florist will have floral preservative.

Check water on a daily basis. Some flowers will drink more water than others. Keep the water level above all stems. If water becomes cloudy or discolored, empty all and refill.

Not all flowers have the same vase life. Remove stems as they age to keep your arrangement looking fresh. If possible, recut healthy stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife.

Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit). Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or in the flow of heating vents. Heat will shorten the vase life of your flowers.

For loose flower stems received from a florist:

Always request a packet of floral preservative. Floral preservative provides ingredients that help to nourish the flowers and discourage bacteria growth in the water. Mix the floral preservative with cool water according to directions.

Remove all foliage below the water line to lessen bacteria growth.

Cut the stems of the flowers with a sharp knife at an angle to encourage better water uptake.

Avoid using too many stems for your chosen container. Flowers need adequate air flow and water in order to thrive.

Why use flower food?

While a flower is attached to the plant, it receives nourishment allowing it to grow and develop. When cut from the plant, it loses its source of nourishment and water. Fresh Flower Food was developed to simulate the flower's original environment, and allow the flower to fully develop (open).

The key functions of a fresh flower food are:

·     Provides food in the form of sugars to keep the flowers alive. Just like ourselves, flowers use carbohydrates as an energy source.
·     Helps lower the pH, which keeps the water/food conducting system in flowers working at maximum efficiency.
·     Stem unpluggers

Homemade versions such as copper pennies in the water, aspirin, soda, etc., do not contain all of the necessary ingredients vital to sustaining flower life. For the most part, they are ineffective and end up costing you more than fresh flower food.

The following tips are from the Flowers & Plants Association in the United Kingdom:

Keep your flowers looking fantastic for longer with these seven simple tips:

1. Use spotlessly clean vases and fresh lukewarm water.

2. Stop stems turning sludgy! Take off all leaves that will be below the water.

3. Cut a thumb's length off all stem ends at a slant, with a sharp knife or scissors. This is the best way for the flower to take up water.

4. Always use flower food. It helps buds open and prevents stems wilting.

5. Keep your flowers away from sunlight, heat, draughts and fruit.

6. Take out faded flowers to keep bouquets fresher for longer.

7. Check water levels - some flowers are thirsty! Top up if necessary.

When you look for a florist, look for the Allied Florist logo
- your assurance of Professional Quality and Service.

Allied Florists of Houston
c/o Taylor Wholesale Florist
1601 West 21st Street
Houston, TX 77008
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