how to condition flowers (2)

This blog post is a continuation of the previous blog post on how to condition flowers. Scroll down to find out more about the care and handling of tulips and gerbera daisies. 

Tools required: floral scissors or garden shears, flower food, Quick Dip, cellophane

Tulips care and handling:

1. Choose tulips that are tucked down low inside the leaves because once they are harvested, they would grow the length of their head every single day. The further down the heads, the longer they would last. 
2. Loosen or remove the rubber band and plastic.
3. Remove any damage foliage.
4. Wrap them with cellophane or paper leaving the ends extended and staple that together to ensure they are protected and held upright.
5. Cut the stems at angle and set them in a vase or bucket of water with flower food.

Gerbera Daisies care and handling:

1. Remove the protective cups or straws (if used) from the flowers.
2. Cut about 1 inch off each stem underwater, dip them in Quick Dip solution and transfer them to a vase or bucket of warm water with flower food.

*Rule of thumb for processing flowers: 

• Remove broken stems, damaged foliage and leaves below the water line. 
• Cut the stems at 45-degree angle.
• Keep flowers hydrated before using.
• Get quality floral tools to guarantee clean cuts on flower stems.

Quick Dip

Flower food

Bypass pruner and flower snip

Rose stripper