FLOWER HANDLING & CARELincoln High School

CONTAINERS

● containers should be washed after each use with soap and water to remove bacteria, which may cause premature wilting.

CUTTING FLOWERS

● Cut flower stems at a 45˚ angle- a freshly cut flower stem absorbs water freely. Recut stems each time they are exposed to air. Use a sharp knife or shears. Cut at a slant for maximum absorption.

PAIR SHARE

● Partner A:● Explain why it’s important to clean the containers after

every use

● Partner B:● Explain why it’s important to cut flowers at a 45 degree

angle.

CLEANING FLOWERS

● Remove excess foliage from the stems- remove all foliage that will be below the water line. Excess foliage increases water loss by transpiration and submerged foliage decays and speeds up fading.

WATER

● Put flowers in temperate water after cutting- warm water moves up the stem much faster than cold (but it makes them wilt faster). 36˚F water is best -( if you need to -- add ice cubes to the water).

PAIR SHARE

● Partner A:● How do you remove foliage from the stem? How to do

remove thorns from a rose?

● Partner B:● What water temperature is preferred for flowers? Why?

PICKING PERIOD

● Pick flowers in the morning- in the morning flowers are turgid, not wilted, and will take up water more easily. Condition flowers for 2 hours by placing in warm water with preservative and wrapping (to prevent air movement).

PLACEMENT OF FLOWERS

● Avoid drafts and high temperatures- do not place flowers in direct sunlight, over a TV, radiator vent, refrigerator, etc.. Water or moving air takes water from flowers faster than it is absorbed from stems.

FEEDING FLOWERS

● Use a commercial flower food- flower foods are composed of sugars, acidifiers, and a mild fungicide all of which increase the lasting life of cut flowers. The use of aspirin, copper pennies, and other home remedies does not prolong the life of cut flowers.

REFRIGERATING FLOWERS

● Keep flowers cold when not in use- double the life of a flower by placing them in a cold room or the refrigerator when not in use. 35-40˚ cooler is ideal; anthuriums and orchids 40-50˚.

PAIR SHARE

● Partner A:● What is the purpose of Floral food?

● Partner B:● What temperature do flowers like to be in? What

temperature do orchids like?

FLOWERS VS. FRUITS/VEGGIES

● Do not mix flowers with fruit or vegetables- fresh fruits and vegetables produce ethylene gas, which reduces flower life. For example, carnations close and snapdragons lose florets when mixed with fruit.

SPECIAL CARE LISTThe DO’s and DON’Ts with specific flowers

CHRYSANTHEMUMS (AKA MUMS)

● like to have stems broken as opposed to cut

WOODY STEMS

● smash with hammer, remove bark on bottom 1-2inches

ORCHIDS

● do not refrigerate, they hate air movement, do not water overhead, rather submerge in water

CARNATIONS

● cut above a node

BULBS

● do not like preservatives

ROSES

● take off thorns without cutting up stem

LILIES

● remove stamens, prolongs the life of the flower and avoids staining

POINSETTIAS OR POPPIES

● singe end of stem with flame or boiling water for 10 seconds

VIDEO

In your summary box, please write down extra information about how to handle and care for specific flowers.

You will get your handout to place in your spiral tomorrow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9RdO43Qvhg