Most bedding plants are usually cut flowers. Knowing a few simple rules will allow you to enjoy the view of vase arrangements for longer.
When should I cut the flowers?
Plants that do not form complex inflorescences are cut as soon as the buds open.It is different with species with inflorescences, e.g. panicles. Cut these when half of the flowers forming the inflorescence are still open. It is best to cut the shoots before noon, because then there is a large supply of water in them.
How do I cut flowers?
Use a sharp knife or pruner to cut. We only cut the flower shoots and leave the leaves behind. Otherwise, the plants will start to wither. Cut the lilies at 2/3 of the height of the shoots so that the plants can still gain strength. Suitable for decorations include: beautiful shaped funkia leaves, marshmallows, cranberries and ferns. Cutting flowers in plants such as lupine, delphinium and alchemilla stimulates them to re-flower in late summer. Sunflower, calendula and nasturtium also look great in vase arrangements.
How to care for vase flowers?
The flowers should be placed in the vase immediately after cutting. First, however, the ends of the shoots must be cut diagonally. Leaves that come into contact with the water in the vase must be removed.
Also remember to …
… mulch discounts
In sunny, hot summer weeks, after mowing the lawn, blades of grass should be used for mulching the bed. The mulch prevents the growth of weeds and reduces the evaporation of water from the soil.
… we strengthen bulbs
Tall bulbous plants, such as dahlias, gladioli and lilies, need support because their shoots can break under the weight of the flowers, and we tie the dahlia stems into a single bundle. Gladiolus and lilies are best supported with stiff and strong bamboo poles or thin wooden stakes.
… thinning the buds
The flowers of some plants are less dense when they develop excessively. Thinning the buds of annual species and dahlias by pinching them with your fingers.
