Conditioning Flowers
- It takes a little time to condition the plant material that you want to use in your show arrangements.
- Refer to your Show Schedule and give yourself enough time to get everything ready before you cut your first blooms.
- Once you've planned your arrangement, prepared your container and support system, you can start to condition your plants.
- Cut your plant material in mid-afternoon the day before the show and immediately put them into a bucket with a few inches (5-8 cm) of warm water.
- Bring them into the house and recut each flower stem underwater at an angle. This will prevent air bubbles from forming at the bottom of the stem which stops water getting to the bloom, causing it to wilt.
- Fill a bucket with enough warm water to reach up the flowers' necks.
- Carefully remove leaves or branches that will be underwater and let them soak in the water for a few hours.
- When you are ready to arrange your flowers, push them into the oasis or through the frog to the water in the bottom of your container. If you have plants with small stems that bend easily, lengthen them and push a fine knitting needle into the oasis before inserting your flowers.
 
- Ask an adult to help you prepare the stems of Dahlias or Poppies. They will last longer if the tips of the stems are seared over a candle flame or dipped into boiling water for a few seconds.
 
- Plants with large, hollow stems, like Delphiniums, need special treatment. Hold the flower upside down at a 45° angle and carefully fill the stem with water.
- Plug up the end with cotton wool and empty it out just before bringing it to the show.
- Refill the stem with fresh water when you get to the show for longer-lasting blooms.
- Take a mister filled with lukewarm water and lightly spritz your finished arrangement. This will help delay fading and wilting.
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