FLOWER CARE TIPS

If you take the flowers in buckets (our's or your own) in which flower food is in the water, basically what you would need to do is to make sure the flowers are comfortable. If you are comfortable, they are, too. Also, PLEASE review the following tips for added and more specific flower care tips.

If you take them wrapped in paper or in boxes, again, PLEASE review the following flower care tips.

 • Do not remove the cardboard, sleeve or the rubber bands holding the flowers together in a bunch. Exceptions to this rule include opening lilies and roses that you want to open more.

 •Fill containers with at least 4 inches of fresh, cool water.

 •Mix floral food in the water to prevent bacteria and give added nutrients to the flowers. If you do not have flower food, it can be purchased at horstflowers.com or Horst Wholesale Florist.

 •Remove any leaves that fall below the water line. Wet leaves will mold or rot and cause bacteria to form and shorten the flower’s vase life.

 •Using sharp scissors or a knife, cut stems diagonally under running water approximately an inch from each stem's bottom edge. This will create a fresh surface to absorb water.

 •Immediately after cutting, place the stems in the prepared water. Some people swear by a product called "Quick Dip" in which you dip the fresh cut part of the stems in for 1-2 seconds prior to putting them in the water. Its purpose is to prevent "stem lock" where the flower's stem gets a blockage and water cannot go up to the flower, making it prone to wilting.

 •Allow flowers at least 4 hours to hydrate well. Most flowers will take up to 8 to 12 hours to properly hydrate.

 •Keep flowers in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight, drafts or excessive heat. Flowers should be kept at a temperature between 35-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

 •Change water every 24 hours and re-cut stems every 24 to 48 hours to keep flowers fresh. Assure that your flowers have sufficient water. Beware that some flowers may drink an exceptionally large amount of water.

 Remember that exposing tight  flowers to warm, but not too hot, environments (outside, a warm room, etc.) will help the flowers bloom quicker, and storing your flowers in a cooler environment will slow down the opening process.

 Also, keep flowers away from fruits, vegetables and/or plants which produce ethylene gas. Ethylene in the surrounding area could cause your flowers to wilt.

After finishing your floral creation you may want to use a finishing product like Crowing Glory or Finishing Touch, both available at horstflowers.com/Horst Wholesale Florist, which is sprayed on the finished flowers. Experience has proven that these products help the flowers stay hydrated better and provide a longer time frame for the flowers to show their maximum beauty.

If you have hydrangeas that look like they may be starting to wilt, they can be placed upside down with their heads under water ( they can drink through their heads!) for several hours, gently shake off the excess water, recut the stems and let them drink for a couple more hours right side up. Nine times out of ten they will revive. Spraying them with water or, even better, Crowning Glory or Finishing Touch will also benefit them.