FLOWER TIPS-When
using daffodils and hyacinths for fresh flowers in the house, run the ends of
the stems under warm water to remove the sticky sap they secrete. Removing the
sap keeps the stem able to absorb water. Daffodils and tulips should be cut up
to the green portion of the stem, as they do not drink from the white bottom
part of the stem. Also tulips look
for the sun, by piercing the very top of the stem (under the bottom of the
bloom) with a sewing needle, tulips will stand more erect.
FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS CARE: Flower arrangements should be kept out of direct sun. The room temperature should not get too warm as fresh flowers last longer if placed in a cooler temperature.
Flower arrangements are in vases or placed in floral foam or oasis. If the flowers are arranged in oasis, oasis is a spongy foam that soaks up water as a sponge does. The foam acts as a preservative to prolong the life of the flowers. The foam should be watered each day to keep it from drying out.
Run your finger over the top of the container the arrangement sits in and you should feel the oasis. I use a long spouted watering can and slowly add water between the container and the oasis so the oasis is always sitting in water. A flower arrangement should last at least a week or more if kept watered daily.
FRESH CUT BOUQUETS:
When you receive fresh cut flowers and need to place them in a vase there a few tips that should be followed.
Ø Cut the stems with a sharp knife. Always cut flowers on an angle. Never use scissors.
Ø Place the cut flowers in a vase or container filled with water and the packet of floral preservative that should have come with the bouquet.
Ø Remove any foliage that is sitting in the water. Foliage in the water is a major cause of bacteria that will take away from the life of the flowers.
Ø Every two or three days the water should be replaced with fresh water that has more preservative in it. The vase should be washed and the stems cut again and placed back in the vase with the fresh water and preservative
Ø Place the vase arrangement in a cool location, keeping it away from heating sources, and drafts
LIGHT: Place flowering plants near an east or south window. Flowering plants need as much sun as you can provide for them.
TEMPERATURE: Night temperatures should be about 50 or 60 degrees F. The day temperature should be 65-70 degrees F. Do not place them over radiators or other heating devices. They should be kept out of drafts.
WATERING: Check the soil each day and water when the soil dries out.
FERTILIZING: Plant food should be added every 4-6 weeks. I prefer seaweed emulsion.
POINSETTIA: It is critical to keep poinsettia out of drafts and from sudden changes in temperature. They do well if placed by a sunny window where it is kept at an evenly warm temperature of 65-70 degrees F. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy.
Mexican legends convey the tale of a peasant boy who had no gift or money to honor the birth of Christ's anniversary, he prayed at the altar of his village church and miraculously the first "Flower of the Holy Night" bloomed at his feet in brilliant red and green and his gift appeared.
In reality, the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherima) was cultivated by the Aztecs of Mexico long before the introduction of Christianity to the Western Hemisphere. Some of the first religious connotations were placed on poinsettias during the 17th century when, because of its brilliant color and holiday bloom, Franciscan priests in Mexico began to use the flower in nativity processions.
Poinsettias were first introduced into the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett, a skilled botanist, had some plants sent to his home in Greenville, S.C. After establishing the plants in his own greenhouse, he began to send them to various botanical gardens and fellow horticulturists.
The actual flowers of a poinsettia are the leaves and the very center small eyes are the true flower.
Protect poinsettias from extreme drafts when bringing home and if they are wrapped remove them immediately when they are placed inside.
Keep them from drafty spots and in a warm sunny spot away from direct sunlight. Leaves will yellow and fall off if left to dry out for too long. A good watering should be given and then the plant should dry out (not for too long) before it is watered again. Given this care should allow blooming color for a good month or two.
Selection and Seasonal Care