Welcome to Fox and Raven Farm! We’re thrilled to share our beautiful zinnias with you. To help you enjoy them for as long as possible, here are some tips on how to pick zinnias for the best vase life.
1. Choose the Right Time
- Morning Picking: The best time to pick zinnias is in the early morning when they are fully hydrated. This ensures they are at their peak freshness.
2. Select the Best Blooms
- Fully Open Blooms: Look for zinnias that are fully open. Partially open flowers may not open further once picked.
- Firm Stems: Choose flowers with firm, straight stems. These are the healthiest and will last longer in a vase.
3. Cutting Technique
- Use Clean Tools: Always use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the stems. This helps prevent the spread of diseases and ensures a clean cut.
- Angle Cut: Make an angled cut about 12-18 inches down the stem. An angled cut increases the surface area for water uptake and prevents the stem from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase.
4. Immediate Care
- Place in Water Quickly: Immediately place the cut zinnias in a bucket of clean, cool water to keep them hydrated. If you’re continuing to pick flowers, keep them in the shade.
5. Preparing for the Vase
- Remove Lower Leaves: Before arranging your zinnias in a vase, remove any leaves that will be below the water line to prevent bacterial growth.
- Recut Stems: Recut the stems at an angle under running water or submerged in water to ensure no air bubbles block water uptake.
6. Vase Care
- Clean Vase: Use a clean vase filled with fresh, cool water.
- Add Floral Preservative: If you have a floral preservative, add it to the water to help keep the flowers fresh longer.
- Change Water Regularly: Change the water every 2-3 days, recutting the stems each time to maintain good water uptake.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy your beautiful zinnias from Fox and Raven Farm for as long as possible. Happy picking!
Member of the Utah Cut Flower Farm Association.