From the Ground Up: When to bring summer blooming flowers indoors

Last month we shared tips for spring bouquets, this week is tips for long lasting summer blooms. Always cut flowers in early morning when they contain the most moisture, immediately placing them in a tall bucket of tepid water. The stems should be cut at an angle with a very sharp knife or scissors to avoid smashing the stem and inhibiting water uptake. With woody stems, make an additional upward cut into the stem to increase water intake.

Use very clean buckets and vases to prevent bacteria from shortening the life of your cut flowers. Floral supply stores sell cleaning products and floral extenders. Use these products according to directions. There also are recipes online for extending the life of your cut flowers, which also inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Condition your cut flowers by submerging them in tepid water up to the blossom for 1 to 24 hours. Remove all the leaves that will be submerged in water to prevent rot in the vases. Re-cut the stems before, arranging the flowers.

If using roses for your bouquet you must re-cut the rose stem under water to prevent air bubbles from entering the stem and causing premature wilt.

If using hydrangeas for cut flowers, immediately dip the cut end of the stem into alum. Yes, alum used when preserving pickles. The alum prevents the intake of air bubbles and results in a long lasting hydrangea which can be dried later for dried arrangements.

Flowers which have hollow stems such as amaryllis, some dahlias, lupines and hollyhocks will last much longer if you fill the stem with water and plug the end of the stems with a small cotton ball.

Gladiolas are a great summer cut flower. Cut the flower when the bottom flowers are completely open. As the buds open up the stem, remove the spent flowers from the stem and re-cut the stem. Gladiolas will open completely to the end.

When harvesting Asiatic, Oriental, or Tiger Lilies, cut the stamens from the flower when cutting from the garden. The pollen will stain the flower and your clothing.

Some flowers 'flop over” when placed in water. Keep these upright by slitting a long drinking straw and placing it around the stem.

Marigolds are very showy but have a strong odor. To remove, add a tablespoon of sugar to the water, allow to set for 12 hours and the odor will be gone.

Keep your bouquets away from direct heat, strong sunshine and fruit. Ripening fruit emits ethylene gas, which causes healthy flowers to wilt. Remove dying flowers from your bouquet quickly and change the water daily to help your flowers stay fresh longer.

' Judy Stevens is a Linn County Master Gardener. For more flower tips and gardening advice, call the Linn County Master Gardener Hortline at (319) 447-0647.