TIPS & TRICKS 3 – PROLONGING BLOOMS

Although cultivating dahlias may require a bit more effort and attention compared to other flowering plants, the rewards are well worth it. These perennial flowers are highly sought after for their beauty and versatility. By keeping the aforementioned practices in mind, you can ensure that your dahlia journey is a successful and rewarding one. With proper care and maintenance, your dahlias will continue to dazzle with brilliant blooms year after year. So dive into the world of dahlias and enjoy the beauty they bring to your garden!

Dahlias, with their long stems and captivating, abundant blossoms, have earned their place as beloved flowers in cutting gardens. To ensure a seamless continuation of their beauty indoors and outdoors, it is crucial to handle the cutting and storage of dahlias with meticulous attention to detail.

Bring Blooms Inside

To facilitate a seamless transition of dahlias from the outdoors to the indoors, it is advisable to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures. Therefore, it is best to commence cutting as early as possible. It’s important to note that dahlias do not typically open much more after being harvested, so it is recommended to select flowers that are mostly open for your arrangements. 

 

When cutting, ensure that you use clean pruning shears and trim the dahlias all the way down to their base. This not only enhances their appearance in the garden but also stimulates the growth of additional stems.

After cutting, adjust the lengths of the stems according to your preference and immerse the tips in warm water. For further preservation, you can pass the cutting points through an open flame to aid in the curing process. With proper care, dahlias can remain vibrant in a vase filled with cool water for at least a week.

To extend the beauty and freshness of most cut flowers, a few simple steps can make a significant difference. Begin by selecting flowers with firm buds or partially open blooms, as they tend to have a longer vase life. Trim the stems at a diagonal angle, removing any leaves that would be submerged in water. Placing the flowers in a clean vase filled with fresh water mixed with floral preservative can provide essential nutrients and inhibit bacterial growth.

It’s crucial to keep the vase in a cool location away from direct sunlight, drafts, and ripening fruits, as these factors can expedite wilting. Regularly change the water every two days or whenever it appears cloudy, ensuring the stems are re-cut at an angle for better water absorption. Additionally, removing any spent blooms or wilting petals helps divert energy to the remaining flowers.

Mist the flowers with a fine spray of water to maintain humidity, especially during dry periods. If desired, consider using a floral spray to provide a protective coating and enhance longevity. With proper care and attention, cut flowers can bring joy and elegance to your surroundings for an extended period, allowing you to savor their beauty and fragrance.