Before
the flowers arrive we recommend you prepare the buckets or containers to
allow a smooth transition.
2.
After
receiving your shipment, unpack the flowers immediately. It is possible
that some may appear limp--this is normal. All calla lilies will require
rehydration for maximum vase life. Colored calla lily flowers are harvested
and shipped fully open and do not require time to open.
3.
After
receiving your shipment, take the flowers to a cool, dim room to complete
what professionals refer to as 'conditioning'. This allows the stems and
blooms time to recover and rehydrate, taking up as much water as possible
before being placed in an arrangement. The flowers will need to be kept
in a cool room (65 -72 degrees Fahrenheit) away from direct sunlight or
heating or cooling vents. Avoid placing flowers directly under ceiling fans,
or on top of televisions or radiators.
4.
Make
sure that your buckets or containers are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed,
then fill with lukewarm water. Prepare sufficient pails of water to hold
the flowers loosely.
5.
With
a sharp knife or pruner, carefully recut the stems under running water at
least ¼ inch above the original cut, at a slanted angle. It is important
to recut the stems as once a flower is out of water for about 20mins, the
ends of the stem close up and can no longer take up water efficiently.
6.
Place
flowers in the buckets as soon as possible (after a flower is out of water
for about 20 mins, the ends of the stem close up and need to be recut).
Taller flowers may need support while taking their initial drink.
7.
Leave
the pails of flowers to rest for a time – optimally around 6 hours,
with a
maximum of 1 day (Try to refresh or change the water every 24 hours).
8.
During
the conditioning period, check for drooping flower heads, an indication
that the stems are not taking up moisture. Remove them from the pail,
hold the end of the stem in boiling water for 10 seconds, then return
to the pail to continue conditioning.
9.
After
flowers have been conditioned, simply cut again at least ¼ inch from
the end of the stem before placing them in your arrangement.
