- Buy flowers from a reputable outlet, and choose blooms with firm petals or with buds that show a degree of colour to ensure the flowers will develop fully.
- Ask for cut flower food if it is not already supplied. This contains the correct ingredients to a) feed the flowers properly, b) keep bacteria at bay (which blocks the stem and stops water uptake), c) encourage buds to open, d) lengthen the life of the flowers. Snipping the corner off a one-dose sachet and adding it to the vase water is simple and effective - and scientifically tested to make your flowers last longer.
- Use lukewarm water - there's less oxygen in it, and helps prevent air bubbles in the stem that will block water uptake. It also encourages some flowers to open up. The only exception to this is spring bulb flowers like daffodils and tulips which prefer cold water.
- Use thoroughly clean vases - bacteria kills flowers.
- Cut stems at an angle (preferably with a blade rather than scissors).This gives the stem a bigger area to take up more water, and stops it resting on the bottom of the vase and sealing itself.
- Put gerberas in only a few inches of water. As gerberas lack leaves, if the water level is too high you'll effectively drown them, causing the head to droop.
- If you've left your roses in a hot car on the way home, rescusitate by freshly slicing the stem and laying them in a bath of cold water.
- As your lily flowers open, snip off the stamens to keep pollen to a minimum. This will save pollen stains on your fabrics. If you do get pollen on you, wrap some sellotape sticky side out around your hand, and dad the pollen off (never get it wet, or rub it!).
- Keep lily blooms away from your cats, as lily pollen is poisonous to them. Clip the stamens as the blooms open, and keep the plants out of your cat's reach.
Send a flower bouquet to cheer your beloved ones or friends in Hong Kong now!
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