F LOWER H ANDLING & C ARE Lincoln High School

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

C UTTING F LOWERS ● 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.

P AIR S HARE ● 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.

C LEANING F LOWERS ● 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.

W ATER ● 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).

P AIR S HARE ● 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?

P ICKING 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).

P LACEMENT 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.

F EEDING 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.

R EFRIGERATING 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 ˚ cooler is ideal; anthuriums and orchids 40-50˚.

P AIR S HARE ● Partner A: ● What is the purpose of Floral food? ● Partner B: ● What temperature do flowers like to be in? What temperature do orchids like?

F LOWERS VS. F RUITS /V EGGIES ● 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.

S PECIAL C ARE L IST The DO’s and DON’Ts with specific flowers

C HRYSANTHEMUMS ( AKA MUMS ) ● like to have stems broken as opposed to cut

W OODY S TEMS ● smash with hammer, remove bark on bottom 1- 2inches

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

C ARNATIONS ● cut above a node

BULBS ● do not like preservatives

R OSES ● take off thorns without cutting up stem

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

P OINSETTIAS OR P OPPIES ● singe end of stem with flame or boiling water for 10 seconds

V IDEO 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.