Flower Care Steps – From Arrival to Arrangement

 1: Unpack and Inspect

• Unpack and Inspect: Cut any straps to remove flowers from the box, but leave their protective packaging on for the first 4 hours of hydration. As you unpack, check your blooms for any visible concerns.
• Process Immediately: Begin the steps below immediately upon opening the box to ensure your flowers rehydrate and recover from their journey. Again, don’t worry if they appear sleepy or thirsty—they will perk up beautifully with proper care.

 2: Prepare the Containers

• Choose Clean Buckets or Vases: Ensure your containers are clean and sanitized to remove soap residue, bacteria, and dirt, which can shorten the life of flowers.
• Fill Containers: Add at least 4 inches of cool, fresh water, then add flower food if available.

Step 3: Trim and Place in Water

• Remove Foliage Below the Waterline: Strip leaves that will fall below the waterline to prevent mold or bacterial growth.
• Cut Stems Correctly: Use clean, sharp floral shears to cut stems diagonally about 1 inch from the bottom. Avoid household scissors, as they pinch the stems and block water absorption.
• Place and Space: Place the freshly cut stems immediately into the prepared water, ensuring there is enough space in each container for the flowers to bloom properly.

 4: Hydrate and Maintain

• Hydration Time: After the initial 4-hour hydration period, remove protective packaging and strip additional leaves and thorns (if applicable).
• Re-cut and Space: Give your flowers another fresh cut and place them in your prepared buckets. You may need to spread your stems out into more buckets to give them even more room to bloom. It is important not to overcrowd your buckets. Allow your flowers to continue to hydrate for another 8 hours before beginning the design process.
• Store in a Cool Place: Keep flowers in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat. Avoid placing them in a refrigerator, as this can harm flowers.
• Monitor Water Levels: Flowers drink heavily upon arrival, so check frequently to ensure all stems are always submerged. If the water drops below the stems, refill immediately and recut them before placing them back in the container.

 5: Time to Design

• Ready to Arrange: After completing the hydration and processing steps above, your flowers are now ready for design.
• Recut and Maintain: As you design, make sure to recut the stems and maintain water levels.
• Refresh Regularly: Change water daily and recut stems every 24-48 hours to keep flowers fresh.

Petal Pointers:

Always keep flower buds above the rim of the bucket or vase to prevent bruising and damage to delicate blooms.

Warm environments encourage flowers to open more quickly, while cooler temperatures help slow the blooming process. Adjust storage conditions as needed, but always avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat. After arranging, use a floral finishing spray to help keep blooms fresh and extend their longevity.

Recommended Supplies:

• 5-gallon bucket: 1 bucket can hold up to 4 bunches for hydration.
• Floral Snips

Other Floral Supply Resources:

5-Gallon Bucket Only – No Lid Included, Made in USA, Food Grade BPA Free Plastic, Heavy Duty Multi-Use, Metal Handle with Grip, Stackable Storage – White, 1 Pack: https://amzn.to/4vrdgzx

2.64 Gallon Slim Plastic Trash Can – Compact Rectangular Wastebasket for Bathroom, Bedroom, or Office – Durable & Space-Saving Small Bin, Black: https://amzn.to/4pcgxkF 

2-Gallon Bucket with Airtight Lid – Made in USA, Food Grade BPA Free Plastic, Heavy Duty Multi-Use, Metal Handle with Grip, Stackable Storage – White, 1 Pack: https://amzn.to/4vhqgaJ 

Leize Flower Scissors, Premium Thickened Stainless Steel Floral Shears, Strong Pruner for Flowers, Branches and Leaves (Pink Slender): https://amzn.to/4ycNqln 

Garden Pruning Shears 3 Pack Gardening Shears Garden Scissors Stainless Steel Plant Flower Scissors Clippers Pruning: https://amzn.to/4ft4MD2  

FLORA GUARD 6.5" Pruning Shears 2-Pack with Straight Stainless Steel Blades, Ultra Sharp Precision Cut, Easy Lock, Comfortable Grip, for Indoor Plants & Hydroponics: https://amzn.to/4pkRcoQ 

Royal Imports Green Wood Plant Stake, Bamboo Floral Gardening Sturdy Support Picks, Wooden Sign Posting Potted Garden Orchid Sticks (12 Inch - 25 Pcs): https://amzn.to/4vTFgwu 

Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights Set - 1 Pair (2-10 lbs) Removable Sandbags for Women & Men, Comfortable Neoprene Leg Weights for Walking, Running, Pilates, Yoga, Home Workout & Physical Therapy: https://amzn.to/3Tqpzyu 

Green Zip Ties, Zip Ties Assorted Sizes 4/6/8/12 inch, 200 Pack, 18-50 lb Tensile Strength, Zipties, Green Cable Ties for Christmas, Garden, Plants, Floral Arrangements by Glufirm: https://amzn.to/4gvqzeu 

18-inch Black Zip Ties Heavy Duty 100 PACK, 220 LBS Ultra Exclusive Strong Plastic Wire Ties, Large Cable Ties Extra Long Tie Wraps, Indoor and Outdoor UV Resistant: https://amzn.to/4bfAr8y 

6 Inches Wire Cutters Heavy Duty Snips Flush Cut Side Cutters Pliers Metal Cutting Tool for Crafting, Floral, Artificial Flowers, Chicken Wire, Electrical, 1 Pack: https://amzn.to/4vpmg8m 

DECORA 18 Gauge Dark Green Floral Paper Wrapped Wire 16 inch,50/Package: https://amzn.to/4f2YxpD 

Floral Adhesive 2.1 Oz – Clear Waterproof Liquid Flower Glue for Fresh Flowers, Fast-Drying Flexible Glue for Floral Arrangements, Corsages, Bouquets, Florist & Craft Projects: https://amzn.to/4b4L3av 

Oasis® UGLU™ Adhesive Dashes on Roll – ½ Inch Adhesive Squares for Floral Design, Crafting & Home Projects – 1,000 Dashes per Roll, Acid-Free: https://amzn.to/4fbxPda 

10Pcs White Round Felt Headband Pads, Plain Headbands for Crafts Not Easy to Fall Off, Handmade DIY Decorations Accessories with Elastic Band for Tea Party: https://amzn.to/4h3RcHp 

Holly Chapple Small Pillow Floral Cage - 4" Wide l Floral Supply l Wedding Decoration l Wedding Centerpieces l Flower Centerpieces (Pack of 2): https://amzn.to/3RshpFh 

Egg Bouquet Floral Cage - 6" Wide 2pk: https://amzn.to/4aLnHGJ 

Floral Cage Arranger for Flowers l Bouquet Floral Cage l Pillow Floral Cage for Centerpieces and Vases l Sell in Set of 2 (6", Pillow) (334-96-07):  https://amzn.to/4vQzUSR 

Egg Bouquet Floral Cage - 4" Wide 2pk: https://amzn.to/4y4HZVs 

Set of 4 Clear Cylinder Glass Vase, 5W x 5H Inches Round Flowers Vase, Pillar Candle Floating Candle Holders, Floral Glass Vase for Home Office Decor, Wedding Centerpiece: https://amzn.to/4aNEn0e 

Burton & Burton Floral Finishing Spray 32OZ:https://amzn.to/3SNpDIB 

FloraLife Clear Crowning Glory - Liquid Shield Finishing Spray for Fresh-Cut Flowers - 32fl oz: https://amzn.to/4vGaIOd 

6" LOMEY Designer Dish, White, 24 case: https://amzn.to/4aF2w9e 6" 

LOMEY Designer Dish, Clear, 24 case: https://amzn.to/4vlPNQ8 9" 

LOMEY Designer Dish, White, 12 case: https://amzn.to/4wuuRqZ 

Floral Supply Online - Green Double Design Bowls for Flower Arrangements, Centerpieces, and Holiday Decorating. (10" Green, 12 Bowls): https://amzn.to/4f9voHS 

12 Pack Large Size 10 x 4 Inch Floral Bowls for Flower Arrangements Flower Foam with Bowl Kit with Floral Foam Blocks for Table Party Wedding Festival Flowers (Rectangle): https://amzn.to/4vnrscH 

FloraLife Crystal Clear - Flower Food Powder for Fresh-Cut Flowers, Vases & Floral Foam - 10 oz: https://amzn.to/4wurekY 

Smithers Oasis Iglu 1020-I Floral Foam & Holder, Pack of 12, Green: https://amzn.to/4aNENDQ 

12 Pack Large Size 6.3 Inch Floral Foam Round Bowls for Flower Arrangements Round Floral Supplies Flower Foam with Bowl Kit with Floral Foam Blocks for Table Party Wedding Festival Flower: https://amzn.to/4piFlaU 

HongWay 4 Pieces Floral Foam Cage Flower Holder with Floral Foam for Fresh Flower Arrangement and Wedding Holiday Decorations: https://amzn.to/4bAV9zQ 

14Pcs Floral Foam Garland 9.2Ft Sponge Blocks Kit, Absorption Flower Holder Arch Door for Wet Dry Fresh Flowers Arrangement for Wedding Garden Home Decor (Floral Tape x 2pcs): https://amzn.to/4foiBCN 

Chicken Wire for Floral Arrangements, 15.7 x 157 Inches Green Mesh, 0.6 Inch Hexagonal Galvanized PVC Coated Netting Fence for Crafts, Poultry, Garden: https://amzn.to/4f85MLB

Oasis Forage Floral Foam | Securely Holds Stems in Place | Degradable | Superior Hydration for Freshly Foraged Botanicals | Dark Brown | Pack of 4 Bricks: https://amzn.to/4wzx6t5

MOZAKA 2 Pcs Cuff Bangle Bracelet for Women Wide Open Cuff Bracelets Golden Silver Wrist Cuff Wrap Bracelets Adjustable: https://a.co/d/05yKKnBG 

MOZAKA 2 Pcs Cuff Bangle Bracelet for Women Wide Open Cuff Bracelets Golden Silver Wrist Cuff Wrap Bracelets Adjustable: https://amzn.to/4wxLZfF 

8Pcs Wrist Corsage Bracelets for Women, Elastic Pearl Corsage Wristlet Band, Prom/Wedding Flower Corsages DIY Supplies/Wristlet Accessories: https://amzn.to/4p8yjFi 

4 Pieces Elastic Pearl Wrist Bands and 15 Pairs Floral Boutonniere Magnets Corsage Brooches Magnet for Handmade Wedding Bride Boutonnieres Corsage Flower Pins Business Flowers Making Accessories: https://amzn.to/3SIcbFX 

WILLBOND 7 Pairs Floral Boutonniere Magnets No Pins or Glue Needed Corsage Brooches Magnet for Wedding Bride Boutonnieres Corsage Flower Pins Buttonhole Flowers Making Accessories: https://amzn.to/4pmQur1

Zlongron 100 Pieces Hijab pins, Long Teardrop Pearl Head pin, Boutonniere pins, Buttonhole pin, can also be used for Jewelry Making, Sewing, Wedding Floral Decorations and DIY Crafts: https://amzn.to/44VNdp8 

Dritz 132 Pearlized Pins, Petite, White, 3/4-Inch (150-Count): https://amzn.to/4vlQTeI 

Floroom Floral Tape and Wire Kit with Cutter, 26 & 18 Gauge Stem Wire, 22 Gauge Paddle Wire, Flower Arrangement Tool Set for DIY Crafts, Wedding Bouquets, Florist Making & Supplies, Green: https://amzn.to/3R4olbC 

Oasis Clear Floral Tape - 1/4w 60 yrd. Roll by Smithers Oasis: https://amzn.to/4vQ268h 

Oasis Forage Floral Stem Wrap | Waterproof Stretchy Self-Sealing Tape | 1/2" Wide x 90' Long Roll | Rich Green Color | 8 Retail Ready Packs/Case: https://amzn.to/3SS0g8p