In the Garden
Michael Miyashiro
RAINFOREST
Roses of the Jade variety.
Cut flowers
SUNDAY is Mother's Day, perfect for giving flowers. Not much information exists regarding cut-flower care, even the most common types, so here are some Mom's Day favorites, compiled from various cut-flower trade magazines and lectures on post-harvest handling of flowers.
Some basic tips for cut flowers: Never allow the foliage to be submerged. This will greatly reduce the water's oxygen supply and promote growth of toxins that may prematurely kill the flower. We do not advise adding other flowers or fillers, such as baby's breath, leather leaf, etc. Although the additions may look pretty, this will actually reduce the vase life of your favorite flowers by about half. You may also notice that the water will change color and become foul much more rapidly. If in doubt about the water, simply change it.
Happy Mother's Day week!
Anthuriums >> Although these are almost foolproof, to make these last longer, use older water. Some anthuriums are sensitive to chlorine. Tap water left standing a day or two works best in preserving flower freshness. Re-cut stem ends at the strictest slant possible to maximize the surface area receiving water.
Gerbera daisies>> Like sunflowers, the heads of these flowers are usually tilted to one side. To get them to stand more upright, dissolve a vitamin C tablet in a cup of hot water and allow to cool slightly. Then, re-cut the stems either at a strict slant or down the middle about an inch. Dip this in your Vitamin C solution and place in plain warm water; leave it in until it cools. The process may be repeated if necessary. Change water daily using slightly warm water and re-cutting stems an inch or two.
Roses >> Using flower food to make these flowers last longer is actually a myth. The ONLY time flower food will do any good is when the flowers are in bud and allowed to drink the food solution. Once you miss this window, the flower food actually causes bacteria to develop in the water.
When you receive fresh roses, re-cut the stem ends at a slant or even split up the middle of the stem diameter for an inch and a half, and immediately immerse in plain warm water (like the temperature you'd wash your hands in) and allow it to sit until it cools down. Later that day or the next day, move the roses into fresh water in their permanent vase.
We do not advise that outer defective-looking petals be removed. These actually carry nutrients necessary for the flower to develop properly. This ugly-appearing petal will be dry by the time the food is absorbed. Daily water changes help prolong vase life up to three times.
Iris >> Although there are many different kinds of irises, many of the better-grade flowers have side buds that will develop and bloom into full-size blossoms after the terminals have finished. Keep the water clean. Daily water changes and some stem-end trimming will help you enjoy them longer.
Michael Miyashiro, flower connoisseur and owner of Rainforest at Ward Warehouse, is a graduate of the University of Hawaii horticulture program. Contact him at rainforest@hawaii.rr.com.Gardening Calendar
