Do Cut Flowers Absorb Cold Water Faster Than Warm Water?

Warm Water

• Most cut flowers perform best in floral displays when placed in warm water -- between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit -- to condition them before displaying them in a floral arrangement. Warm water travels up the stem rapidly replacing any water lost during cutting.

Cooling

• Cut flowers placed in warm water should be placed in a cool area for up to 24 hours to fully rehydrate the flowers and prolong their life. Placing them in a cooler or refrigerator prevents water loss from the foliage and blooms, while the stem absorbs water from the vase.

Harvesting Time

• Many gardeners cut flowers early in the morning when they are at their freshest. James C. Schmidt, a University of Illinois horticulturist, disagrees and recommends cutting flowers in the evening when they have the greatest storage of food. He claims morning is the second best time for cutting fresh flowers.

Cutting

• Cut flower stems slightly longer than desired with a pair of shears or a sharp knife, as you will need to recut them before making a floral arrangement. Immediately placing the flowers in a bucket of warm water prevents water loss and keeps them fresh until you get them inside.

Arranging Cut Flowers

• Once cut flowers have been conditioned, they are ready for arranging, but your work is not done yet. Removing all foliage that will rest below the water level and recutting the stems under running water prepares your cut flowers for the final arrangement. Plunge the stems into a vase of cool water mixed with floral preservative immediately after cutting to prevent air from blocking the channels in the stems.