How to Cut Poppies to Last

The many species of plants in the Papaver genus are called poppies. They are generally easy to grow. Wildflowers include the Flanders poppy that graces the hillsides of France and the brilliant-orange California poppy. Plant poppy seeds directly into the garden because their taproot makes transplanting difficult. After the plants begin blooming, cut the flowers for bouquets and to encourage plants to produce additional flowers.

Scissors or clippers
Vase
Matches or lighter
Floral preservative

Instructions

- 1
  Cut poppy blossoms from the plant before the flowers open. Wait until just before the flower opens. Learn what your poppy blossoms look like by observing their habits for a short time after they begin blooming in summer. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and sufficiently long by snipping them at the base of the plant or where it attaches to a main stem.
- 2
  Seal the stem of each flower by burning it with a match or lighter. Seal the stems immediately after cutting before you place them in water.
- 3
  Mix purchased floral preservative to the flower vase's water.
- 4
  Cut 1/4 inch from the base of each flower stem every other day, and then reseal the cut by exposing each stem to a flame.
- 5
  Change the water in the vase every other day. Add fresh floral preservative each time you change the water.

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