From our perspective, the primary challenge as a cut flower is our unique vascular system. Unlike many other flowers, our stems are soft, pithy, and contain a high level of mucilage—a thick, sap-like substance. When cut, this substance quickly seals the wound, preventing your vase water from traveling up the stem to our beautiful flowers and leaves. This is a natural defense mechanism to prevent infection and water loss, but it means we begin to wilt rapidly if not treated correctly immediately after harvesting.
Your timing in harvesting us is crucial for our longevity. The ideal moment is when our flowers have already matured and are fully open on the plant. Do not cut us when we are still tight buds; our stems may not have developed enough to efficiently take up water, and we might not open fully in the vase. Look for blooms that are facing outward and have a fully developed, rich color. Furthermore, harvest us during the cooler parts of the day, ideally early morning when our tissues are fully hydrated from the overnight rest. This gives us the best internal water reserves to start our journey indoors.
This is the most vital step you can take for us. Immediately upon cutting, you must condition our stems to overcome our natural sealing mechanism. The most effective method is to sear the cut end. Briefly hold the bottom inch of our stem in boiling water for about 20-30 seconds or over an open flame for 10-15 seconds until the end blackens. This process breaks down the mucilage and prevents it from sealing the vascular tissues. After searing, immediately plunge us into a deep container of cool, fresh water and allow us to hydrate fully for several hours, preferably overnight, in a cool, dark place before arranging. This deep drinking session is essential for our vitality.
To keep us looking our best, please provide an environment that mimics our preferred growing conditions: cool and fresh. Keep our vase away from direct sunlight, heating vents, ripening fruit (which releases ethylene gas), and drafts. We thrive in cool temperatures. Change our water every other day, and with each change, re-cut our stems at an angle. While not always necessary for us specifically, some humans find that using a commercial floral preservative in the water provides a sugar boost and inhibits bacterial growth, which can clog our delicate stems. A clean vase is non-negotiable for preventing bacterial blockages.
