This is how we take care of summer cut flowers! Cut flowers are an excellent and always welcome gift. Even if they are not arranged in an intricate bouquet, they perfectly decorate any room.In order to enjoy the plants as long as possible, certain rules should be followed - already at the stage of cutting into the vase.The time of day and time of day are also important. the weather in which we cut plant shoots from the garden. The ideal date is late evening or early morning when plant tissues are most hydrated.
You should not cut flowers at noon, on hot days, in full sun, because then they are slightly wilted and will not regain vigor in the vase, nor will they be too durable.We also do not cut flowers on rainy days. The stomata of plants are then wide open, thanks to which they transpire intensively and lose water faster. Such flowers will not stay in a vase for a long time. We also do not pick flowers after rain, because water drops can leave unsightly, unsightly stains on the petals.
Cut flowers with a sharp knife with a smooth blade. The secateurs are not a suitable tool for this, because it crushes the tissues, which in turn shortens the life of the cut shoots. The cut should be smooth.We use clean, disinfected tools, this way we will avoid the transmission of possible diseases.Before placing the flowers in a vase, trim the ends of the shoots diagonally with a sharp knife, so that the cut surface is as large as possible. In this way, we contribute to a greater uptake of water with minerals, and thus increase the vitality of plants.
Usually flowers cut in the bud phase do not develop when brought home.We collect tulips, lilies and daylilies when their buds are already colored, but still closed. Plants that open their petals only in the sun, such as Eszolcja, gazania and dimorphotheque, are not suitable for cut flowers. Their flowers remain closed in the vase.If in doubt, cut the plants in the semi-open bud phase.Perennials that form clusters, such as lupine, gladiolus, tritome, liater and desert, are collected when about 1/3 of the flowers in the inflorescence are already developed .
In spring and early spring, you can boldly cut the shoots of many shrubs and trees. After 3-4 weeks, forsythia, tonsils and quince put into the water will develop. Shoots of different species of maple look beautiful. In full growth, we can pick shoots of jasmine and, of course, lilacs, popularly known as lilacs.Due to the very intense smell, we should not put them in the room where we sleep.
Cut hydrangea flowers
Flowering shoots of the garden hydrangea are also perfect for pruning.They are very durable and can be dried off.In autumn, you can decorate your home with fruiting shoots of rowan, euonymus or holly.Finally, roses are undoubtedly the queens of flowers. As the most beautiful ones, they do not require company and are best presented solo. In order to keep them decorative for as long as possible, we cut them in the early morning or evening. The day before the planned cutting, water the bushes abundantly.
The roses are cut when the first petals emerge from the bud. Cut the ends of the shoots diagonally and place them in boiling water for a few seconds. Do not remove the spines - the fewer wounds, the fewer injured areas and susceptible to infection, and thus the greater the durability.
It is very important to choose the right vessel in which to place the cut flowers.The task of the vase is to emphasize and enhance the beauty of the plants placed in it.Under no circumstances can it be a competition for them. It should be in muted colors, it can be of an unusual texture.Its size and shape should be adapted to the size of the bouquet and its shape.
What to do to keep the flowers fresh for a long time?
- A clean vase is essential! Before placing flowers in it, it must be carefully washed. It must be rinsed well with each water change. This will delay the growth of putrefying bacteria.
- We change the water every day, or at least every other day. It should be standing, boiled, chlorine-free or mineral, still. To keep the flowers fresh longer, put them in water with a few ice cubes for an hour before placing them in the vase.
- When replacing the water, cut the ends of the shoots with a sharp knife.Soft shoots, eg of tulips and gerberas, prick them with a pin 5 cm from the cutting point.Woody shoots, e.g. lilacs and roses, cut at the end in the shape of a cross. This increases the absorbent surface.
- We remove all leaves and flowers immersed in water. They break down very quickly, accelerating the growth of bacteria.
-We replenish the water on an ongoing basis, always at the ambient temperature.We can also use nutrients for cut flowers, available in every florist. They extend the life of bouquets, nourish plants, and inhibit the growth of bacteria. The conditioner water is usually changed after a week. A similar effect will be achieved by adding half a tablet of aspirin to the water. It will acidify the water, thus delaying decay.
- Cut flowers should be placed in a rather cool place, not in the sun, away from heat sources. Drafts and dry air are harmfulSimilarly, gas and cigarette smoke will deteriorate the appearance of plantsDo not place ripe fruit nearby, especially apples. They are a source of ethylene which accelerates the aging of flowers. Roses and orchids are particularly sensitive to ethylene.
