News You Can Use
Don't let those flowers frighten you!
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Susan Hughes
July 7, 2006
STARKVILLE, Miss.-Homeowners seeking to enliven their rooms with fresh floral arrangements often become frustrated. Where to start? How to maintain the arrangements?
According to Lynette McDougald of Mississippi State, "It's all about conditioning."
McDougald, manager of the University Florist and a floral design instructor, says flowers remain "alive" even after being cut. Basically, conditioning involves steps that allow cut plants to absorb water and keep their fresh appearance for an extended period.
She offers several suggestions for conditioning:
- Begin with a clean container, one pre-washed with an antibacterial soap;
- Use only potable water;
- Cut flowers 24 hours prior to use and place immediately in eight inches of water;
- Clip stems at a slant to increase the water-intake area; and
- Remove all foliage falling below the water line.
For best results, McDougald recommends the addition of a flower food to the water. While the additive may be purchased from florists, many home gardeners successfully substitute soft drinks high in citric acid and sugar-Sprite, among others-when used in the right proportions.
To create a pleasing design, understand that most floral materials fall into three categories: line, which are tall and slender; mass, which have size to their blooms; and filler, which are smaller flowers. With these in mind, McDougald offers several tips for creating lasting, appealing arrangements:
- Avoid blooms at the most mature stage; collecting at the bud stage allows the arrangement to be enjoyed longer.
- Use line flowers towards the center of the design, mass flowers along the edge and the surrounding areas, and filler to complete the design.
- Change the water in your arrangement periodically. Having a clean environment is an important factor in how long the arrangement will last.