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Frequently Asked Questions
About
Care and Handling Of Flowers
In our page of "Care & Handling Tips", we provide some general procedures to help
you condition your flowers so that they will last a bit better.
In this section we'd like to answer a few commonly asked questions about
flowers' care and handling
Table of Contents
- Are my flowers grown locally?
- How do I know if the flowers are fresh?
- What do flower shops do to help flowers last longer?
- How long do flowers last?
- Don't you get upset that the flowers will die after a while?
- If I buy a spray flower such as miniature carnations will all of the buds open?
- Why do the flowers that I buy change in price all the time? Some seem
to be kind of expensive at holiday times?
- Can I leave flowers in my car while shopping?
- What is flower preservative?
- What kind of containers should I use for my flowers?
- I've heard that asprin and other things are good for my flowers?
What do you think? Do the flowers have a headache?
- Do I have to change the water in containers every day?
- Can I put flowers in my home refrigerator?
- Why do I have to remove fruit before putting flowers into
the refrigerator?
- Should I cut the stems with a knife or a scissors?
- Should I cut the stems at an angle?
- What about cutting underwater?
- What temperature water should I use?
- How often do I add water to flowers in foam?
- What do I do if my roses' heads fall over?
- How can I send flowers to another part of the country,
yet maintain my sanity?
Do you have any questions about taking care of cut flowers or flower arrangements
that have not been discussed here?
If so please send contact us. We will be happy to add them to this listing of FAQS!!
1. Are my flowers grown locally?
At one time (not all that long ago) flowers were grown only in local
areas, and brought in to local markets. Today modern transportation has
made flowers available from virtually every section of the world. The
flowers that you are buying could be from Florida, California, Israel,
Hawaii, Central America, South
America, Australia, or even Europe!! They could also be from large or small
growers that are but a few miles away from you! In the floral industry we take
that
for granted today. But when you consider it,
the idea that we can order product from sources
throughout the globe, and get it to our flower shops in a matter of hours
is pretty awesome stuff!! Back to Table of Contents
2. How do I know if the flowers are fresh?
There's not really a single easy answer to this one. Different flowers &
foliages do have different ways of showing their age. A basic rule of thumb
that I like to give people is to judge nice quality flowers much as you would
nice quality fruit and vegetables. If the stems and the leaves are firm and green....
the petals bright and inviting, it is generally a good quality flower. Bad
signs are flowers that are wilting, petals that are fading and droping, leaves
that are falling off, etc. Browning and yellowing leaves & petals are not a good
sign.
Back to Table of Contents
3. What do flower shops do to help flowers last longer?
Flower shops are very concerned about keeping the product in good condition
as long as possible....after all they are dealing with perishable merchandise.
Furthermore, they know that if you are happy with your purchase you'll come back to buy
from them again, (and if you're not you wont). In the retail florist industry
success is based not on a one time sale, but on repeated happy customers!!
For these reasons most reputable
florists are very concerned about lasting quality, &
follow a whole process of assuring quality. They buy fresh product from
reputable suppliers, and apply rigorous care and handling procedures, including
the use of preservatives and refrigeration.
Back to Table of Contents
4. So how long do flowers last anyhow?
My friends ask me this one all the time!
It really depends upon the flower. It also depends on the level of care, both
before the flowers reach you, and after you have received them. Some flowers such as tulips
and daffodils last only a few days. On the other hand other flowers such as pompons,
carnations, & miniature carnations last much longer. Cymbidium orchids, protea,
anthurium, and alstroemeria are also good keeping flowers. It is a good idea
to ask your florist about their current selection and they can help to advise
you for your tastes & needs.
Back to Table of Contents
5. Don't you get upset that the flowers will die after a while?
I also hear this one all the time.
No, I don't get upset about the fact that flowers die. It is the nature
of floral media. Look at it this way....When you go to a movie or to the
theater, your viewing experience only lasts a few hours. Does that diminish
your enjoyment of the experience? I think not. The experience of a concert,
a short song, a meal or even a drink with a friend certainly is short lived,
yet is still quite enjoyable. The newspaper or magazine is usually savored
for only a few hours and then discarded. People don't expect any of these
things to last for a long time...Why should flowers be any different?
Flowers do some pretty remarkable things. They make people happy. They bring a nice
atmosphere to settings. They help make occasions and events seem extra special.
As long as they fulfill that function for that event or occasion they are
doing what they should do. Don't be sad if they don't last on and on. Go out
and get some new flowers!!
Back to Table of Contents
6. If I buy a spray flower such as miniature carnations, will
all of the buds open?
We can't guarantee that every bud will open, however, you are quite likely
to get further development if the buds are showing color. We suggest putting
the flowers in flower preservative & warm water and cutting the stems
evey few days.
Back to Table of Contents
7. Why do the flowers that I buy change in price all the time? Some seem
to be kind of expensive at holiday times, aren't they?
The flower market operates on the law of supply and demand. If demand is low
there is more product around and flower prices fall. If demand is high and there
is less product around, flower prices go up. This is often why flowers will cost
more at some times of the year, and less at other times.
There is, but another aspect to consider, and that is all kinds of weird and
random events that can effect the flow of flower product. For example if there is a
major snowstorm in the midwest that prevents alot of product from going
from the west coast to the east coast of the US, all flower prices may rise.
It can get quite complicated. Currency fluctuations, hurricanes, earthquakes,
and all kinds of things can sometimes affect flower availability, and hence
prices....And remember, there are also different quality levels of even the
same flowers.
This can complicate pricing too!!
No. Most florists are not trying to take advantage of you at a holiday period.
If you think these flower price fluctuations bother you, believe me,
they drive many florists crazy!
Back to Table of Contents
8. I like to shop. Can I leave the flowers I just picked up at the flower
shop in my car?
If you live in an area with very moderate temperatures, it may be O.K., but
few of us are that fortunate. Please
keep in mind that flowers are living things. They freeze at temperatures below
thirty-two degrees. They also don't do well in hot cars during the summer.
Try to limit exposures to those extremes as much as possible.
Back to Table of Contents
9.What exactly is flower preservative?
Flower preservatives are products made specifically to help prolong
the life of cut flowers. Usually they provide a kind of food for the flowers
and also some materials that will help keep bacteria levels in the water lower.
Lower bacteria levels mean that the water will be cleaner, and that the flowers
will be able to drink the water easier. It'll help them last longer.
Back to Table of Contents
10. So I buy some nice cut flowers. What kind of containers do I need
to use?
Glass or plastic containers are fine with cut flowers. Your local florist
is sure to be able to offer suggestions in this area. Why not stock up?
You never know when a guest may arrive with a few bunches of flowers. Oh,
and by the way, be sure to check out the gallery section of our site. We
have a lesson that teaches how to arrange flowers in a glass container!!
Back to Table of Contents
11. I've heard that some people give their loose cut flowers aspirin. Do
the flowers have a headache?
There are many different home remedies that have been developed over the
years to help cut flowers last longer.
Aspirin is one. Another is to put a little listerine into the water (kills
germs!!) I once heard someone suggest that it would be a good idea to
give a bit of vodka to tulips to
help them stand up a little more straight. Well I tried it. Helped me but didn't do much
for the flowers!!
My own feeling in this area is that you are probably better
off using preservatives that you can pick up from your local florist, as they
have been developed for optimal results.
Back to Table of Contents
12. Do I have to change the water in containers every day?
No. Not really. Changing the water every few days is helpful.
You see, petals, and leaves fall into water that sits for a few
days, and the water gradually does get a bit dirty. Bacteria build
up in the water makes it harder for the flowers to take up water.
Back to Table of Contents
13. Can I leave flowers in my home refrigerator?
Only for a day or so if you have a special use. Be sure to remove
all fruit before you place the flowers into your refrigerator, and
never store flowers in your freezer!!!
Back to Table of Contents
14. Why do I have to remove fruit before placing flowers into
the refrigerator?
Fruit puts out an invisible gas called ethylene. In a closed area such
as a refrigerator it can be bad for your flowers. So keep those apples
away from your carnations!!!
Back to Table of Contents
15. I heard that I should cut the stems of my flowers
before placing them into water. Should I use a knife or scissors?
Floral clippers, a sharp knife or scissors will all work. Try to
avoid dull instruments that can pinch stems. Only cut an inch or two off of
the bottom. The concept is that by cutting the stem, it will make it
a little easier for the flower to drink up the water.
Back to Table of Contents
16. Should I cut the stems at an angle?
While it is not a necessity it doesn't hurt. The practice tends to
allow more surface area at the bottom of the stem to absorb water.
Back to Table of Contents
17. What about cutting flower stems under water?
You should generally be on dry land when taking care of your flowers!!
But seriously, you can't go wrong using this technique. Hold the bottom of the
stems in a
basin or small container that contains warm water, and cut approx. 1/2 to one inch
off of the bottom of the stem. This is especially useful for flowers that look limp
when you first get them,
and also for roses.
Back to Table of Contents
18. What temperature water should I use?
Generally warm water, not too hot or too cold is fine. It is taken up
faster by the flowers.
Florists will sometimes use warm water to condition their flowers if they arrive from
a distant port and are very thirsty. It is a way to get water to the flower
heads faster.
You should be aware that warmer water also encourages
some flowers such as roses and tulips to open a little faster.
Back to Table of Contents
19. What about floral designs in foam....How often do I add water
to them?
Foam used in floral designs is a remarkable product. It feeds water to
the flowers even as it holds their stems in place.
Foam LOVES water, and wants to absorb it.
On the other hand your flowers
also love water too.
Now the
problem is this. When you receive or buy that lovely vase arrangement, the
flowers will gradually suck water out of the foam. If the foam gets dry
it will look for the first source of water which is?.....You guessed it....
the flowers!!! So it is a good idea to check your foam every day or so
to make sure that the foam doesn't dry out. Generally you
can add a little water to the foam every couple of days.
Back to Table of Contents
20. My roses just keeled over!!
Roses are one of the most popular flowers in America, but they are a very
sensitive flower. If enough water doesn't get to the head of the flower it
can droop very suddenly!! If you catch it quickly enough, there are some steps
that you can try that may help to revive the flower.
Act quickly. Cut approx. one half to one inch off of the bottom of the
stems. Fill a basin with warm (not hot) water. Lay the flowers flat
on the surface of the water and let them float there for an hour or so. In
many cases that will revive the flowers.
If you find that you are consistently having problems with roses that you
buy from a particular source, let the vendor know about it. (The sooner you
do this the better.
Don't wait until two weeks after the flowers have died before you discuss it!)
Most quality florists want you to be happy.
Back to Table of Contents
21. How can I send some flowers to another part of the country,
yet maintain my sanity!
Please see our suggestions in our Tips For Telegraphing Flowers.
Back to Table of Contents
For other information on Care and Handling of flowers,
please click here.
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