Carefully remove your bunches from the box and from their protective sleeve. Inspect the bunches for any damage, remove and discard any spoilage immediately (keep in mind it is expected for a stem or two to be subpar). Remove foliage that will fall below the waterline to prevent bacteria growth, as well as remove any guard petals or damaged petals. Prepare buckets or vases with a few inches of cool water and flower food. Cut an inch off the bottom of the stem with clean sharp snips and place in the water, then keep store in a cool place out of direct sunlight and away from heating/cooling vents and electronics. If you need to force the blooms to open quickly, use warmer water and a warmer air temperature. Different flowers have different care requirements, so read below to learn more about some individual varieties.
In order to assure our guests leave with all the information they came for, this course is longer than our typical Wednesday/Saturday events, and offered only a handful of times annually. Check our event calendar, or sign up for our mailing list, for more information!
Amaryllis
These blooms arrive in bud form, so keep this in mind when ordering for an event. They also have hollow stems which may split and curl at the bottom which is totally normal. To encourage the blooms to open quicker, cut the stem shorter so the water only has to travel a shorter distance.
Anemones
These blooms have flimsy stems, so be sure to process them in a container where they will be supported or cut them shorter so they are supported by the edge of the container. Don’t crowd too many stems in a container either, these need room for the blooms to open peacefully.
Tulips
Tulip arrive tightly closed and will need support as they hydrate. The stems tend to arch as they absorb water, and the bloom will move towards a light source, so keep these in a container that will support the stems.
Carnations
By gently massaging just under the bloom at the top of the stem, this encourages the carnation petals to open fuller and wider.
Roses
Allow roses to hydrate while in their protective cardboard wrap for a few hours prior to opening their packaging. After opening the packaging, you may notice some of the petals are brown, wilting, or just ugly – these are the guard petals and should be removed. It is standard to remove 5-10 outer petals of roses, so don’t be shy. To encourage the petals to open up naturally, you can also blow directly onto the top of the rose head.