Proper preparation in the fall for winter storage
Do not trim the stems and foliage of lilies after flowering! This is necessary so that the bulb gains strength for flowering next year. Wilted shoots must be removed in late autumn. The lily rests for 1.5 months after the period of flower initiation. The main thing is to cut off the ovary after flowering.
Preparing bulbs for storage
The first winter frosts serve as a signal for digging lilies out of the ground for winter storage. When performing this operation, it is necessary to cut off the dry stem, leaving at least 5 cm from the soil level. Next, you need to make a circular slit with a pitchfork, so as not to damage the integrity of the bulb and root system, and carefully remove it from the ground. Having first shaken them off the ground, wash them under cold water and place the lilies in a container to dry, loosely next to each other. Experts recommend separating the gap with moss.
It is necessary to carefully inspect the flowers for the presence of diseases, putrefactive and affected areas, which, if present, must be weeded out. It is better to place the tray in a dark, cool place where they will dry in a couple of days; in an area with elevated temperatures there is a possibility of mold formation.
After the underground shoots have dried, you need to spray them with fungicidal powder and place them in paper containers, or you can wrap each bulb in newspaper a couple of times. Make holes in a cardboard box for ventilation, place the lilies along with sawdust or moss (to absorb moisture), and place them in a wintering area - this can be a garage area, a basement, a balcony.
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Secret 1. Correctly cut flowers for a bouquet
Yes, yes, you need to take care of the future bouquet already at the time of cutting it in the flower garden! What did you think - you ran out into the garden for a minute, plucked a couple of rose bushes and a stunningly beautiful bouquet was ready that would last a couple of weeks on its own? No matter how it is! And there are tricks in this matter - cutting time, technology, and tools. How and when to correctly cut flowers for a long-lived bouquet?
Firstly, be sure to choose healthy and strong flowers for cutting. Inspect the selected plants before cutting - their buds, stems and leaves should be strong, evenly colored, without withering, stains or damage.
Secondly, choose the time for the procedure. You can’t cut flowers either in the heat and sunshine, or in the rain. It is better to do this in the early morning, when there is still dew in some places, in the evening, when the sun sets and it becomes cooler, or during the day, but in cloudy, cool “gray” weather. This way you are guaranteed to retain more moisture (and, therefore, elasticity) in the stems, leaves and buds.
If possible, be sure to water the bushes and flowers that you plan to cut generously 12-24 hours before the procedure.
Thirdly, focus on the type of cut flowers - each has its own nuances. So, among the gladioli for cutting, those that have only one lower flower have opened yet; for roses and tulips - they look for stems with buds that have not yet blossomed, but are already colored; for chrysanthemums and asters - wait until the inflorescences open almost completely (3/4), for hydrangeas and dahlias - cut flowers in the full bloom phase, and so on.
Fourthly, you need to make cuts with a very sharp knife or pruning shears - breaking off and twisting stems and branches is not suitable for us, because there is a risk of severely “crushing” and damaging the moisture-conducting vessels of flowers, that is, those parts of the future bouquet through which it will “drink” in order to stay in the vase longer. Cut the stems at an angle.
Lilies in a bouquet: pros and cons
The “Royal Flower” was at the peak of fashion a decade ago and has not lost its position since then. It has many advantages over other iconic representatives of the flora: orchids, ranunculus, peonies or eustoma.
- Persistence. Cut specimens remain fresh for 3 to 5 days, which allows you to fully enjoy their beauty.
- Varietal diversity. There are more than 500 shades of lilies, which gives endless scope for the imagination of designers and florists.
- Good compatibility. Harmonizes with many ornamental plants, exceptions are rare.
- Long flowering. Some species can be found in the garden from May to September. And in flower shops, the availability of elegant beauties does not depend on the season and their prices hardly change.
- Versatility. A beautiful bouquet of lilies can be of any style and shape.
- Healing properties. The aroma of some varieties is considered medicinal; it effectively eliminates depression and lifts the mood.
There are also some negative aspects. The fragrant plant, on the one hand, heals, but on the other hand, it can cause headaches and spasms in people sensitive to strong odors. For bouquets, it is recommended to choose varieties with a delicate aroma, without pronounced spicy notes.
Another unpleasant “touch” can be lily pollen. For humans, contact with it will only result in bright, difficult-to-remove stains on clothing, but pets can become very ill and even die. Cats are especially vulnerable in this regard; “washing” their fur coat of pollen that has fallen on it ends in acute renal failure.
How to preserve lilies longer: some important tips
Lilies are unpretentious, but they also have desires. lily whims” for some time
».
Flowers are sensitive to ethylene - keep them away from fruits and vegetables.
Lilies are selfish and do not like being next to other flowers in the same vase.
Do not place the container with the bouquet in a draft or in direct sunlight.
Now you know how to preserve lilies and extend their life in a vase
. The luxurious flower turned out to be not very capricious. Although, like any noble plant, it is fraught with dangers and is not suitable for everyone. Before purchasing a bouquet of lilies, check if the recipient has an allergy or hypersensitivity to the aroma of the flower.
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It is difficult to think of a more pleasant gift for a loved one than a bouquet or flower arrangement of freshly cut lilies.
Lilies are quite persistent flowers and can delight you with their spectacular appearance for a very long time, but you need to use some tricks.
If immediately after delivery a bouquet of even the freshest lilies is simply placed in water, within a couple of days you will most likely see the first signs of rapid wilting. In this article we will analyze in detail the most effective recommendations that will allow you to keep donated flowers fresh for much longer at home.
How do you know how fresh the purchased lilies are?
We carefully examine each flower, taking into account the following important points:
- freshly cut flowers have a cheerful and fresh appearance, the leaves are rich in color, and the buds do not show signs of dark spots and edges that have already dried out. If the plant has a slimy, dark-colored cut, this is a sure sign of long-term storage. If the stem is disproportionately short, this is the result of repeated pruning.
- A high level of humidity is very important for flowers. This can be easily checked by slightly crumpling the leaf or pulling the petals a little. A fresh plant should “keep its shape”.
- it is very suspicious if there are very few leaves on the stem and the outer petals are torn off. All this suggests that the seller has removed the first, and perhaps not the first, signs of wilting.
- inspect the buds very carefully. You should not buy flowers that are fully open, with pollen, because... these lilies spent their best days in the salon and will soon fade. The buds of fresh flowers at the blooming stage should not be very hard, but rather elastic.
- It’s worth shaking the selected flowers a little. This will ensure that there are no needles or toothpicks in the plants for greater durability.
General advice: pay attention to how fragrant the flower is. The younger the lily, the stronger and brighter the aroma. General rules of care
General rules of care
A gift of a bouquet of fresh lilies will easily turn any day into a holiday, however, in order for the holiday to last as long as possible, you should follow a few recommendations from our florists. Follow these few simple secrets and the gifted bouquet or flower arrangement will delight you and your beloved with its beauty and freshness for several weeks.
Let's start from the very beginning, i.e. from purchase, because today very few people are engaged in growing flowers
Also pay attention to how to properly move the purchased bouquet. If you carry it along the street, the buds should face down and the flowers should be covered from the sun and wind with a wrapper
In the car, hold the bouquet in your hands and maintain a comfortable temperature, not too high.
How much do lilies cost in water?
The advantage of this flower is that it retains its attractive appearance for a long time. Many people are interested in the question of how to preserve cut lilies longer. There are secrets of care, but it is equally important to check how fresh the flowers were purchased.
When choosing a bouquet, you need to pay attention to the following important points:
- Recently cut flowers have a fresh appearance, that is, the color of the leaves is rich green, there are no foreign spots or dents on the buds. A clear sign of long-term storage is a slimy and dark cut area; if the stem is already suspiciously short, then we can assume that the cutting was carried out more than once.
- For flowers, the level of air humidity is of great importance; it should be high. It’s easy to make sure it’s stored correctly; just crumple the sheet a little; if it doesn’t immediately return to its original shape, then the storage rules have been violated.
- If there is no foliage on the base or there is little of it, then perhaps this indicates that the florist was thus hiding signs of wilting.
- Particular attention should be paid to studying the buds. It is best to refrain from purchasing fully opened plants and with pollen. Fresh buds should be half-opened and elastic, not hard.
- The selected units need to be rocked a little, this way you can make sure that there are no toothpicks, needles or other restraining elements in them.
Important! It is worth paying attention to the aroma that the flower exudes. The younger the lily, the richer and more pleasant the aroma will be.
Irrigation in open ground
Regarding how much lilies like watering, one thing can be stated - for them it is better to underwater than to overwater, that is, the need for irrigation always depends on the condition of the soil, so regularity in their case is a relative concept. The frequency of irrigation is also affected by the composition of the soil - soil with a predominance of clay and peat is dense in itself, and water leaves it slowly, so the number of waterings can be reduced, in contrast to looser types of soil, in which sand is superior to other elements in the composition.
Excessive moisture can be detrimental to a plant, since excess water displaces oxygen from the soil, leading to rotting of the root system and the development of fungal diseases.
Watering in summer has its own subtleties.
- On clear sunny days, evening irrigation is more preferable, since in the morning, with the rise of the sun, moisture quickly evaporates, which does not even have time to nourish the roots. If it is not possible to water the flowers in the evening, the soil under the lily bushes should be mulched with fresh mown grass - this will protect the soil from drying out.
- It is important to water the plants shortly before sunset, so that the water has time to be absorbed before this moment, since constant watering at dusk eventually leads to the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
- When caring for garden plants, one should not forget about regular loosening and weeding to prevent water stagnation.
On your lily plot, you can create an automatic irrigation system, taking into account some points.
- The surface and rain method for this crop is suitable only in warm weather, at night and in the evening. As with most garden flowers, splashes on the flowers and leaves can cause sunburn.
- Due to the fact that the level of moisture in the soil layer is difficult to control, subsoil watering is not suitable for a bulbous plant such as a lily.
- It remains to use a drip irrigation complex, which is a system that includes a collection and filtration unit, as well as distributing drip lines, which will also be useful for applying liquid fertilizers.
- You can water your flower beds using a regular watering can with a nozzle that helps disperse the water. In this case, there is no strong pressure, and the soil under the lilies is not washed away.
For the winter, the bulbs left in the ground are protected with shelters made of coniferous spruce branches and are not watered until the snow melts. Only when the soil warms up slightly is it permissible to begin watering the plant gradually and in small quantities.
What should be the pot for a home lily?
To grow lilies at home, you can use almost any type of container: a regular flower pot, a spacious ceramic pot, a plastic box. The size of the container depends on the number of bulbs you plan to plant in it and the type of lily.
The pot must be spacious and deep enough to allow the plant to develop properly. The taller the flower, the wider and deeper the container should be. You also need to take into account that containers that are too light are not suitable for lilies. Otherwise, the container may fall under the weight of the tall stem and flower. If the container is made of thin plastic, heavy drainage (for example, pebbles) should be placed on the bottom to weigh it down.
With a stem height of 1.5 m, the height of the pot wall should be at least 35-40 cm. The volume of the planting space for one bulb is 16 sq. cm. Thus, 3-4 bulbs can be planted in a pot with a diameter of about 40 cm. Planting in separate pots is rarely practiced, because Lily bulbs actively grow babies until all the necessary space in the ground is filled, and until that moment they do not bloom.
Tips and tricks
If the bouquet begins to fade, how to preserve chrysanthemums in a vase with water, what to add so that they come to life and delight for a long time - a problem that arises with those purchased from unscrupulous sellers.
The following activities will help restore freshness to chrysanthemums and allow them to decorate the room longer:
- Reanimate drooping flowers with a pale solution of potassium permanganate and moderate coolness - 16-18°C.
- Stearine, from which candles are made, protects fully opened flowers from shedding their petals. A lit candle is tilted over the inflorescence, waiting until the molten drop falls directly into the core.
- An ambulance for a fading bouquet is a contrast bath. The stems are first trimmed, then dipped in cold water for a couple of minutes, preferably from the refrigerator. Immediately after this it is poured over hot. The procedure is completed by re-pruning the damaged sections of the stems. Flowers are placed in sweetened water.
- Chrysanthemums are placed in water so that the stems are completely submerged, and the inflorescences are covered with a damp cloth. After 2 hours, shorten the stems and put them in place.
- If the room is hot, at night they are wrapped in damp paper or cloth, taken out to the balcony, put in the refrigerator, and given a cold bath with pieces of ice.
Note! Florists are not willing to reveal their secrets, but experienced flower growers are happy to give advice on how to preserve the freshness of cut chrysanthemums. Gift flowers are handled as follows:
Gift flowers are handled as follows:
- A newspaper sheet is moistened with a weak saline solution and the bouquet is wrapped in it.
- Store the package in the cold. For chrysanthemums with short stems, the vegetable compartment of your home refrigerator is suitable. Under such conditions, flowers can be stored for 7-10 days.
- At the end of autumn, when frost has already hit, summer residents cut off the last flowers, even if they only have buds. To make them open at home, add the ready-made preparation Bud-2 to the water according to the instructions.
- In order for the stems to better absorb water from the vase, they are not cut, but broken off - this is a feature of all chrysanthemums. By the way, they do the same when they are collected from the garden. If the flowers are cut, the stems have to be split with longitudinal cuts or several blows with the handle of a knife.
Important! Flowers that are broken off rather than cut can be stored for up to a month even without the use of additional products. When cleaning the vase, keep the stems under running water so that the vessels are not clogged by an airlock.
It will interfere with normal moisture absorption
When cleaning the vase, keep the stems under running water so that the vessels are not clogged by an airlock. It will interfere with normal moisture absorption.
Small-flowered chrysanthemums, in which about a dozen buds form on the stems, regularly remove wilted inflorescences. Provided with comfortable conditions, the remaining buds will continue their life, gradually opening.
Unpretentious when growing, chrysanthemum needs attention and care to help maintain freshness and fragrance during storage. Proper regular care of cut flowers will allow you to enjoy their beauty for a long time.
What to do if lilies begin to fade
If the bouquet begins to fade, then two simple measures can be taken to extend its life:
- Try to revive flowers using regular sugar. When you decide to replace the water, add a few tablespoons of sugar, keeping the proportion of 1 teaspoon to one liter of water. This should help the flowers last a few more days.
- The stems should be scalded at the first signs of wilting. Place the flowers in a container of boiling water for a few seconds, then trim the stems and place the bouquet in a vase with fresh water.
Keep in mind that if the plant has several flowers, the buds may open at different speeds. Therefore, do not rush to part with the bouquet: remove only the dried buds, and wait for the remaining flowers to open. If you add camphor alcohol to the water, in a ratio of half a teaspoon per liter, the buds will bloom faster.
If you follow these simple recommendations for caring for cut flowers, you can enjoy their beautiful appearance and aroma much longer than usual.
- Author: Maria Sukhorukikh
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Secret 3. Place the bouquet in the right place
Where in an apartment or house should you place a bouquet so that it lasts longer and is pleasing to the eye?
Any cut flowers will be most comfortable in the coldest room - ideally in a room with a temperature of no more than 5 ° C, and without direct sunlight or constant artificial lighting. The warmer and brighter it is in the room, the faster all processes occur in still living plants - stretching, blossoming and wilting.
It is unlikely, of course, that anyone will often go into such a dark “refrigerator” to admire even the most luxurious bouquet, but the flowers will last as long as possible.
Alas, we understand that such conditions are unacceptable for a living space, so try to at least partially bring them closer to optimal for a bouquet - choose the coolest room, remove the vase from the path of drafts and cigarette smoke, hide it from direct sun, move it away from air conditioners, radiators and heaters (which also dry the air).
At night, the bouquet can be taken out into the fresh air on an open balcony, however, if it is not eastern, where the early bright morning sun will not add life to the bouquet.
Bouquet care
Tips for choosing a bouquet with lilies and caring for them at home:
When buying a bouquet, pay attention to the fact that at least one flower is open on the branch. If the rule is followed, then the remaining buds will open in the vase later on their own. Lilies negatively perceive the proximity of fruits and vegetables that emit ethylene.
Therefore, placing a vase of flowers next to a fruit bowl is destructive. This gas is emitted most of all by apples, apricots, pears, bananas, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. For lilies, moisture getting on the leaves is detrimental. As is the presence of the leaves themselves in water. If the water level in the vase is higher, then it is better to remove the foliage completely, otherwise the stem will quickly rot. If the stamens are not removed from purchased or gifted flowers, do it yourself. The bouquet should be kept away from direct sunlight and heating radiators. Add cut flower life extender at half the volume, otherwise the leaves will become discolored. Trim the stem at an acute angle of at least 45 degrees, under running cold water. Renew the cut by 2 cm every day. Remove faded flowers from the stem in a timely manner, so the next ones will open easier and the bouquet will look more aesthetically pleasing.
Individual approach
Each flower needs a special, individual approach. And what is good for roses is not always good for gladioli
It is important to remember this and select suitable conditions for each pet. More information about the conditions of keeping different flowers can be found in the table
Table - Individual rules for caring for various flowers
Name | Storage temperature | Recommendations | Top dressing |
Roses | 5°C | — The thorns break off; - change the water every day; - make a sharp cut | — “Chrysal”; - aspirin; - bleach |
Tulips | 2-5°C | — Eliminate anthers; - use only cold water; - add ice; - regularly update the slice; — add a sprig of thuja to the bouquet to prolong freshness and enhance brightness | — Potassium permanganate; - sugar; - “Bud”; - vinegar; - aspirin |
Carnations | 5°C | - Use water at room temperature; - change the water every 2-3 days | - Aspirin; — "Chrysal" |
Gerberas | 5°C | — Make a long oblique cut; - be sure to arrange spacers; - lower the stem into water 3-4 cm; - cut the cut every 2 days | - Aspirin; - Activated carbon; - salt (rub the cut); — "Chrysal" |
Dahlias | 3-5°C | — Use soft, rainwater (18°C); - flowers are sprayed once every 2 days | Vinegar |
Asters | 3-5°C | - Use water at room temperature; - change the water daily, preferably in the evening; - buds are sprayed with a spray bottle daily | - Sugar; - alcohol; - soda |
Gladioli | 8-10°C | - Choose a tall and durable vase; - half the stem is immersed in water; - the lower leaves are cut off | - Sugar; - potassium permanganate; - aspirin; - vinegar; - bleach |
To keep flowers in a vase longer, consider their compatibility. Florists claim that plants with “strong” aromas are almost never combined with other representatives of the plant flora. Therefore, place lilies of the valley, orchids, as well as roses and lilies in separate vases to preserve their freshness.
How to store cut chrysanthemums
How much do cut chrysanthemums cost in water? It depends on the time that has passed since the moment of cutting. Although they retain their excellent appearance for a long time, especially the Korean varieties, there are a number of tricks that extend the life of a bouquet, even a purchased one, because often the journey from the garden bed to the counter takes more than a day.
Retail chains often offer special preparations designed to be added to water - lapis, fairy, bud, tsvetalon.
To make chrysanthemums last longer, you can add some home remedies to the water:
- A tablet of aspirin or white streptocide is dissolved in 2 liters of water. The solution is especially valuable for flowers that are starting to fade.
- 0.5 teaspoons of sea salt are diluted in 0.5 liters of water, wait until the substance is completely dissolved.
- Place charcoal or activated carbon into the water (1 tablet per 1 liter of water).
- Add 1-2 drops of ammonia or camphor alcohol, plain vodka.
- Coniferous extract helps preserve the bouquet for a long time: 1-2 drops of liquid product are enough for 1 liter of water.
- Water enriched with silver ions keeps chrysanthemums fresh well. To do this, just put a silver coin in the water.
- Sugar helps preserve the cut for a long time. It is added to water at the rate of 50 g per 1 liter.
- The following homemade compositions are often used: add 2 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vodka to 1 liter of water; For 1 liter of water take 10 ml of 5% vinegar and 10 g of sugar.
- You can also use 2-3 drops of lemon juice or 2 g of citric acid powder per 1 liter of water; sweet lemonades not intensely colored - 50 ml per 1 liter of water.
Chrysanthemums purchased at the salon need special preparation: the bouquet is placed in ice water for 30 minutes and taken out to a cool balcony. Such a stringent procedure is needed to open and saturate capillaries with moisture, which have been dried and emptied during transportation and on the store counter.
Important! The safety of cut chrysanthemums is influenced by the place where the vase stands. It should be well lit, but without direct sunlight, completely protected from drafts
Close proximity of acoustic systems, heating devices, and fruits is strictly discouraged.
It is also worth following simple rules that are the same for all bouquets:
- removing the lower parts of the stems before placing flowers;
- daily water change;
- excision of spoiled parts;
- The correct choice of vessel is that the diameter of the neck is twice the diameter of the bunch of stems.
To make the bouquet last for a long time, it is important to know what water to put chrysanthemums in. The ideal option is rain or melt water, soft filtered, boiled or standing water at room temperature for at least a day will do.
The entire bouquet is periodically sprayed with it, refreshing the petals and leaves.
How to store cut chrysanthemums
How to care for lilies
To grow and bloom, lilies, like all plants, need light, warmth, regular moisture, protection from diseases and pests, fertilizing, mulching, and tying to supports for tall varieties.
We take into account the need for sunlight when choosing a location.
Many species of lilies available commercially: Lilium leichtlinii, Lilium speciosum, Tiger lily (Lilium tigrinum), as well as Orientals and Tiger hybrids prefer very light partial shade or bright places where there is sun. at least 4-6 hours in the morning or evening.
Asiatic lilies and LA hybrids prefer sunny areas, but also grow normally in light partial shade.
LO hybrids, Trumpet lilies, OT hybrids prefer full sun. But even they sometimes require shading on particularly hot days in the summer. You can organize it by stretching a mosquito net or installing a beach umbrella next to the plantings.
Lilies with a height of more than 50 cm must be tied to a support so that they are not broken by the wind.
Mulching
After planting lilies, the soil must be mulched - straw, peat, pine or leaf litter, pine sawdust. Of all types of mulch, the best is forest litter. If your soil is quite acidic, use leaf litter (from birches, aspens, lindens); if it is close to neutral, you can use coniferous litter from pine trees. But the needles strongly acidify the soil and are not suitable for mulching Tubular hybrids, Lilies regale and others who need slightly alkaline soil.
By the way, OT hybrids that form supra-bulb roots especially need mulching. As soon as they begin to appear above the surface, add soil.
Mulching is necessary so that the soil does not dry out quickly, the surface roots do not overheat in the heat and do not freeze in winter. In addition, the mulch gradually decomposes and creates a new humus layer. Also, mulching allows you not to loosen the rows - with mulch the soil is not compacted and remains porous.
If you have the opportunity to get horse bedding - sawdust mixed with horse manure, then you can use such mulch only after six months - so that the composition has time to rot well and decompose.
If you are growing lilies surrounded by ground cover or low growing plants, mulching is not necessary. Variegated bulbous ryegrass looks very good next to lilies - its variegated leaves are an excellent frame for lilies and protect the soil. By the way, tall lilies look and grow great surrounded by shorter daylilies.
How to water lilies
Lilies prefer the soil to be constantly moderately moist. This is how they grow in nature - in the undergrowth, where a large layer of fallen leaves protects the soil from drying out, but does not create excessive dampness - the soil is very porous. Lilies do not tolerate excess dampness - for them, stagnation of water in the roots is destructive.
Therefore, we carry out watering as needed - in the absence of rain, about once a week, and water should be poured at the root in the inter-row spaces. The best time for watering: morning or before 14-15 hours of the day - the soil should have time to dry out from above by night.
Experienced gardeners advise being especially careful with watering in the spring, when recurrent frosts or sudden cold snaps at night are possible. In such cases, many use watering in conjunction with growth regulators and anti-stress drugs - Epin, Zircon, Previscur Energy
This is especially necessary during the budding period.
The greatest need for soil moisture occurs in June, when temperatures are equal day and night, it is very hot during the day, and also after flowering, when the formation of lily bulbs begins and the accumulation of nutrients before the dormant period.
However, waterlogging of the soil is detrimental for lilies, especially when the plantings are dense; if lilies are planted in a flower garden next to plants that need to be watered and fed frequently (for example, roses), diseases develop from constant moisture. Most often this is gray rot and botrytis - a fungal disease typical of bulbous plants (the lower leaves become covered with small spots, turn brown, dry out, flowering is weak, the disease goes from bottom to top).
The frequency of watering also depends on the type of soil - on light sandy loam soils it is necessary to water more often, on loams (even taking into account their improvement, adding sand and peat) - less often.
After flowering, you must completely stop watering the lilies. The exception is abnormally hot weather in the fall, when the earth dries up into dust, you can water the lily 1-2 times after flowering, until the foliage has completely turned yellow.
How to keep a bouquet of lilies in a vase longer: how to treat flowers before putting them in a vase?
If you have beautiful lilies growing on your property and you decide to decorate your home with them, then you are probably interested in how to keep a bouquet of lilies in a vase longer. Follow our advice, and a composition of delicate lilies will enchant you with its elegance and freshness for 10 days.
- It is more convenient to use a tall vase, and take ordinary water, without any additives. The only thing is that if it is tap water, it is better if it is separated from chlorine for 24 hours.
- Lilies look good in fairly tall bouquets, 40-50 cm high. We shorten the stems to approximately this length.
Trimming the stems of lilies with a sharp knife or pruning shears
It is important that the knife or pruning shears you use to trim the stems is sharp. This will minimize the risk of the stem becoming crushed or crushed.
And you can keep your bouquet of lilies in a vase longer. It is recommended to cut the stems at an angle of 30-45 degrees. If you make the angle sharper, the delicate stems of lilies may begin to rot in the water ahead of time. If you make the cutting angle straight, the stems will receive less water and minerals than they otherwise would. All leaves from the stems should be torn off. Leave only those that are at the very top near the inflorescences.
Pick leaves from lily stems
It is also important to remove the anthers from already blooming lily flowers. Those same stamens with orange pollen that are located between the petals
Don’t be afraid to do this, such manipulation will not cause any harm to the flower! Moreover, without anthers, a bouquet of lilies can be preserved in a vase longer. It is better to use gloves for this work. Lily pollen tends to stick to your fingers, fall off onto objects, and stain everything around you. Also try to shake out any pollen that has already fallen onto the petals. It is better to remove the stamens immediately after the bud has blossomed, before pollen begins to fall off from them.
Orange anthers and pollen that fell on the lily petals
- For those who are interested in how to keep a bouquet of lilies in a vase longer, we have already mentioned that it is better to choose plants on which the first buds have just opened.
- As your bouquet sits in the vase, remember to remove any wilted flowers. By doing this, you will provide better nutrition for those buds that have not yet opened.
Pick off buds that have already bloomed
When to buy lily bulbs?
Bulbs are usually sold in stores from late January to May and late August to September. More “fresh” planting material is a guarantee that the bulb will germinate on time and produce a healthy flowering plant.
Please note: in the fall, store shelves contain mostly last year’s bulbs, which have been in the refrigerator for almost a year and are now ready to sprout. First of all, this applies to imported (Dutch) lilies
The fact is that in Holland they are collected in October-November, when it is too late for us to plant flowers in open ground. Therefore, in the fall it is recommended to buy planting material only from domestic producers. And for imported bulbs, the best time to buy is February-March.
At the end of winter, good dormant bulbs are brought to our stores, which are stored in suitable conditions. They can also be bought in April-May (immediately before planting), but by this time enthusiastic flower growers can already snap up the most attractive varieties.
What flowers to choose
When purchasing a bouquet, you need to carefully examine each flower to ensure its quality. You should always remember that sellers are trying first of all to sell flowers that are not of the first freshness.
Flowers that have been cut recently look cheerful and fresh. Their leaves have a rich color and dense structure. The buds should be free of dried edges and dark spots. Cuts on the stems should not be dark or slimy. Mucilage on the cut indicates long-term storage of the plant before sale.
It is important that the stems do not look disproportionately short. This may be an indication that they have been pruned repeatedly.
Fresh flowers must contain plenty of moisture. The petal can be slightly crumpled or pulled back. If the plant quickly returns to its original shape, this will be an indicator of its freshness.
Lilies with missing leaves and outer petals look suspicious. Perhaps the seller was doing this to remove signs indicating the plant was wilting.
You cannot buy fully bloomed buds with pollen present. They have already spent more than one day in the store, and will quickly begin to fade.
Freshly cut lilies have half-closed buds. They are not too hard, but quite elastic.
If you shake the bouquet slightly, you can make sure that there are no needles or toothpicks in it, which enterprising sellers use to maintain the shape of flowers. The aroma of fresh lilies should be bright and persistent.
How to care for lilies in a pot
Caring for a lily in a pot is not difficult, but without certain procedures it is impossible to achieve abundant flowering. After planting the bulbs, the soil in the pot is watered as the earthen ball dries out (usually every 3 days). Until sprouts appear, it is advisable to keep the plants in a cool place (at a temperature of 10-15°C).
After germination, lilies can be fed with organic matter, but this is not necessary if you used fertile soil when planting. If the lily receives enough light, but still grows very slowly, it needs to be sprayed with a solution with a growth stimulator. This procedure is recommended to be carried out 1-2 times a week. It stimulates not only the growth of shoots, but also the formation of flower buds.
When the stems reach a height of 10 cm, add soil to the pot. After which, caring for the plants comes down to timely watering and loosening the soil to a depth of about 5 cm so that air can reach the roots.
Once a week, it is useful to feed the lily with liquid complex fertilizer for flowering plants (according to the instructions for the specific preparation).
At the age of 1 month, in good weather, the lily can be taken out into the garden or onto the balcony, but the plant must be accustomed to this gradually. On the first day, the flower should “breathe” fresh air for no more than 30 minutes, and when the plant gets used to it, it can be left outside for up to 10 hours. In the warm season, lilies are taken home only at night, because air temperatures below 10°C slow down the process of flower bud formation.
Until the buds form, it is useful to spray lily leaves daily with water at room temperature. But at this time the plants should not be exposed to sunlight. Otherwise, burns may occur
You can continue spraying after the flowers bloom, but it is important to ensure that drops of water do not fall on the petals. In addition, during flowering, tall lilies may need supports to help the stems hold heavy flowers.
Caring for a bouquet of lilies
Bouquet of lilies in a vase
It is necessary to regularly update the water and trim the stems. Aspirin or pieces of charcoal are added to the water, so the bouquet of lilies will last longer. You can add sugar in a proportion of 20-30 grams per liter of water, which will also extend the life of the bouquet. It is necessary to ensure that leaves do not fall into the water, which can cause the plants to rot. Fading flowers should be cut off to make the bouquet look neat. The place where the vase stands should not be sunny, without drafts. It should not be placed near a fan. To extend the life of the bouquet, it is recommended to place it in a cool place at night. A bouquet of lily flowers with a bright scent should not be left in the bedroom overnight.
Read How to save a cut bouquet
Lilies are wonderful flowers that are distinguished by a variety of shades, shapes, and durability of cut flowers, which is why florists love them so much and gladly use them to create bouquet arrangements.
Ways to preserve flowers in a vase
Change the water in the vase daily. But such an event is not enough for the beautiful bouquet to continue to smell fragrant. It is necessary to take into account many nuances to extend his life.
First actions
A bouquet brought home does not need to be unwrapped immediately. Especially if the flowers are brought in from the frost. Give them the opportunity to “come to their senses.” To do this, the flowers are left for 20-30 minutes. The following five manipulations are carried out with the brought or “rested” flowers.
- They don't disclose it. Only the stems are released.
- Trimmed. They are placed under running water. The ends are trimmed with a knife. Pruning under water will protect the plant from blockage of blood vessels.
- Moisturize. Now moisten the paper (preferably with warm water) and wrap the stems with it. You can simply dip the ends in hot water at 43°C.
- They are tempered. The bouquet is taken out to a rather cool place. For high-quality hardening, the flowers are left for two to three hours. Hot water will quickly hydrate the plant. And due to the cool air, the flower will lose less moisture.
- They defend the water. They collect water and leave it to settle. A few hours are enough for harmful chlorine to evaporate from the liquid. But it is best to boil water, since flowers do not need and even harm oxygen.
If it is necessary to store roses for several days, hardening is carried out at a temperature of 5°C. To do this, the flowers are wrapped in wrapping paper and placed in water, lowering the stem as deep as possible into the liquid. And they store roses in the refrigerator.
Choosing a vase
Sometimes the wrong choice of flowerpot can ruin all your efforts. Therefore, when choosing a “frame”, use two recommendations from florists.
- Glass vase. This is the most preferred option. Ceramic or metal flowerpots are completely unsuitable. They promote the rapid proliferation of bacteria.
- Wide neck. No matter how impressive a vase with a narrowed neck may look, it is not suitable for bouquets. Flowers don't like being cramped. Therefore, rectangular flowerpots or with an extended top are preferable.
To protect plants from the development of bacteria, it is necessary to remove rotten leaves daily and wash the vase itself with soap.
Secondary trimming
Before placing the bouquet in the vase, trim the stem again. It can also be performed under running water. To protect the plant from dehydration and ensure normal hydration, use five recommendations.
- Cut on the bias. This will give the plant a larger surface area to absorb moisture.
- Cut off the lower leaves. Be sure to get rid of the lower leaves. This will reduce moisture evaporation and protect against the development of bacteria. It is recommended to remove the thorns along with the leaves of roses.
- Dissect the soft stems. This applies to tulips, callas and beautiful daffodils. Soft stems must not only be cut, but also scratched vertically using a thin needle.
- Split the tough stems. To enhance the hydration of flowers with hard stems (roses, chrysanthemums), they resort to another trick. The peduncle is split approximately 3 cm. A small piece of a match is inserted into this split.
- Moisten the hollow stems. Some flowers, such as lupins and dahlias, have a hollow stem. To provide these plants with the necessary moisture, water is poured into the stem, as if into a vessel. The hole is covered with a small piece of cotton wool.
Removing the anthers from the inflorescences allows you to extend the life of lilies and tulips. This will stop the pollination process and thus ensure longer freshness of the flower.
Place
Take some water into the vase. Most flowers feel comfortable if their stem is immersed in water 5-6 cm. The exception is moisture-loving plants, such as daffodils and daisies. Now you need to choose the right place for the vase. When choosing an area for flowers, follow three recommendations.
- "Quiet place. This should be an area that does not receive direct sunlight. And, of course, there should be no drafts in it.
- Protection from electrical appliances. Flower arrangements will not be able to continue to live near heating devices or electrical equipment.
- The right neighborhood. Cut flowers absolutely cannot stand proximity to fruits or vegetables. In such a company, they quickly begin to emit ethylene, which leads to hasty withering.
During hot weather, flowers can begin to fade very quickly. This problem is typical for roses. Sometimes the buds droop towards the end of the day. To revive them, the ends are dipped in boiling water for a few seconds. From this procedure, the buds are simply restored before our eyes.
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How to keep lilies in a vase longer
What to add to the water to make lilies last longer in a vase, how to properly care for them - these and many other questions regarding the preservation of cut flowers interest women.
What to add to water to make chrysanthemums last longer in the vase
Basic recommendations to extend the life of the bouquet are presented below:
- Cut plants should not be left without moisture. The longer lilies are stored without water, the less they will last. However, it is not always possible to save and resuscitate them.
If the road ahead is long, then you should listen to three tips that will allow you to deliver a bouquet of lilies to the recipient safe and sound:
- You should ask the florist to pack the flower arrangement in an individual container with water;
- take a container of clean water with you, and immediately place flowers in it after purchasing;
- You can wrap the cut areas in damp paper towels.
What to do with fading petals and leaves?
- You need to remove all fading fragments yourself. This is necessary to ensure that the water in the container remains clean much longer. Particular attention should be paid to the part of the stem that will be under water. Leaves located in water quickly rot, which contributes to the development of pathogenic microflora, which has a detrimental effect on flowers.
- The stem should be trimmed as often as possible. Before placing the bouquet in a vase, you need to carefully examine the cut points of each lily. To prolong the life of the bouquet for a long time, you should prune dry areas. It is recommended to shorten the stem by 3-5 cm. It is better to do this under a tap with open running water or in a container with clean water. Otherwise, air will clog the cut points, which will block the flow of moisture. To increase the suction surface area, cut the stem at an angle of 45 degrees.
- The water in the container must be changed as often as possible. At the same time, the important question becomes, what kind of water is best to put lilies in? Many people are accustomed to using tap water for these purposes; this is acceptable. But in order to contemplate longer how flower arrangements bloom, you need to use salt-free water.
- Adding nutrients to water can also extend the life of lilies. To do this, in any flower shop you can purchase a special mineral complex intended for flower arrangements. You can add a small amount of soda to the nutrient mixture, thanks to it the process of formation of pathogenic microflora will significantly slow down, the water will remain clean and transparent for a long time. It is important not to overdo it with soda, otherwise everything will be hopelessly ruined.
- The composition must be irrigated from a spray bottle. The optimal frequency of the procedure is 1-2 times a day.
- It is recommended to store the bouquet in cool rooms. It is necessary to keep the vase away from direct sunlight, heaters and heat sources. Temperature during flower cutting is also of great importance. If a person does the cutting himself, it is better to do it in the morning, when the air is still cool.
- Flowers are very susceptible to different variations of ethylene, so the vase should be located as far as possible from the fruit, since they emit a fairly high concentration of this gas.
- Although lilies have a pleasant, but rich and specific aroma, which not everyone likes. To eliminate the possibility of unpleasant consequences, it is best to store the bouquet in large rooms, where the aroma will dissipate and will not be so concentrated.
- Bouquets must be kept away from drafts, they really don’t like them.
Attention! If possible, it is recommended to lower the storage temperature of cut flowers to +10-15 degrees at night.
Lilies are beautiful flowers that girls, girls and women simply cannot help but like. They can be given with or without reason. Their advantage is that if the care rules described above are followed, the storage period will be more than 10 days. Not only compliance with storage rules is of great importance, but also the quality of the purchased “material”.