Flower & Flora Care Conditions

Floral Care Pointers:

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the best possible floral quality when we cut or pick produce, it should be noted that seasonal flora is living material. Therefore, it cannot be guaranteed to last or act in a specific way, because so much is dependent on the plants' reactions to the conditions/environment in which it is displayed. However there are some ways in which seasonal flora can be helped to last longer and ensure the expected outcome for whatever you are trying to do:

Re-cut flowers stems if they are taken out of water for transporting, so that fresh ends are left to take up water/nutrients.
Change vase water at least every 3 days (more frequently in hot weather), recutting flower stems to aid water take-up and removing dead flowers.
Place your flowers out of direct sunlight and heat. Most flowers and flora will last longest in a cooler environment, where they are not being put under undue stress.
Deadhead some multi-flower stems to encourage other flower heads to open.

Growing Tips:
IN SEASON FLOWER FOCUS: DAHLIAS!

In our experience, Dahlias can be cut at various stages of openness, providing a hugely versatile and useful flower.

Heads can be cut at the bud stage (as long as petal colour is showing) for advance prepared bouquets or buttonholes (although flowers may not open to be as large as more open cut flower heads), semi-open stage (for longer lasting bouquets), or fully open flowers (which may not last for long, but can provide simple but spectacular displays at events or in bud vases. For example, at a late Summer/early Autumn wedding).

TOP TIPS IN OUR EXPERIENCE:
1) How can I best transport Dahlias so they arrive looking fresh? Dahlias are prone to bruising when in transit, especially if the flowers are more fully open. If possible, transport flowers when not fully open as they are more likely to arrive in better condition (or treat delicately...especially cactus or dinner-plate varieties).

2) How do I know how long a fully open Dahlia head might last? Check the petals furthest away from the centre of a fully open flower to see how long a flower may last if cut. If there are a lot of outer petals recurving fully towards the main flower stem, a slight wilting/browning of the outer petals on the flower, or a lack of tightness to the centre petals (there may be a yellow centre appearing), these are liable to shatter within a short period of time. So if you are looking for fully open flowers to last for an event look for:
a) less of a recurve to the outer petals
b) no browning anywhere, indicating a healthy flower head
c) some tighter petals in the centre of the flower which should indicate that there is still some life in the flower if cared for well.