Processing flowers is one of the most important things when preparing flower arrangements. Properly processing the flowers that arrive to the store is essential for ensuring long lasting and quality flowers. The flowers must be processed correctly before they are used in arrangements and mixed bouquets. Most flowers have different methods of being processed.
Roses
- Roses are tightly wrapped around a piece of cardboard and covered in a cellophane wrap.
- Carefully take the Roses out of the wrapping and remove the rubber bands.
- Remove the bottom leaves from the stems. Make sure no leaves are in the water.
- Thorns can be removed but be sure to just dull the thorns and not remove the entire thorn. That will let air in the stem which hurts the rose.
- Take off a few of the outside pedals which are called guard pedals. This enhances the beauty of the Roses and removes the blemishes.
- After the roses are clean, gather the stems and cut the stems at a 45 degree angle under water. This helps hydrate the Roses.
- Then dip the Roses in “Quick Dip”. This cleans out the bottom of the stems to help them drink.
- Finally place the Roses in a vase or bucket full of cold or room temperature water that is mixed with flower food. If you use hot water, the Roses will open faster.
Tulips
- Tulips arrive wrapped in a cellophane packaging.
- Remove the cellophane and cut about a half inch from the bottom of the stems at a 45 degree angle.
- Dip the bottom of the stems in quick dip.
- Place flowers in a bucket or vase filled with cool water and flower food.
- A tip for Tulips is put some copper pennies in the water. They should be dated before the year 1982. This helps them stand up straight.
- Tulips will continue to grow even after they are cut.
Hydrangeas
- Hydrangeas are shipped with plastic around each stem and the stems are in water bags to keep them fresh.
- Place the stem under water and cut the stem a bit above the water bag. Cutting the stem under water helps hydration.
- Place the stems in room temperature water.
Quick tips for processing all flowers
- Always use clean, fresh water.
- Always use clean bucket or vase.
- Cut all flowers at an angle. This helps them drink better.
- Remove enough foliage so the leaves don’t go into the water.
- Using flower food definitely helps!
