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A few careful steps between garden and vase can make homegrown flowers last noticeably longer.
Cut at the right time
Harvest in the cool of morning or evening, when plants are well hydrated. Choose flowers at the appropriate stage for the variety: some continue opening after harvest, while others should be nearly open. Avoid blooms already showing age, bruising, or insect damage.
Use clean tools and water
Begin with sharp, clean snips and a clean bucket filled with fresh water. Bacteria blocks stems and shortens vase life, so cleanliness is not a decorative detail. Place stems in water promptly rather than carrying a dry armful around the garden.
Remove what will sit below water
Strip leaves and side growth that would fall beneath the water line. Submerged foliage decays quickly. Make a clean cut appropriate to the stem and place it back into water without crushing or splitting it unless that treatment is known to suit the particular plant.
Let flowers rest
Condition stems in a cool, shaded place before arranging. A few quiet hours gives them time to take up water after harvest. Keep them away from direct sun, heat, drafts, and ripening fruit, which releases ethylene that can shorten the life of some flowers.
Care for the finished vase
Use a clean vase, fresh water, and flower food according to its directions. Refresh the water regularly and remove fading stems. Different flowers have different needs, so learn the varieties you grow and treat this as a dependable starting method rather than a universal rule.
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