How To Buy And Prepare Fresh Flowers

Step 1: You Will Need

Step 2: Bud

When buying flowers look for a nice tight bud. When buds are just breaking and there's a glimpse of colour that's good too.

Step 3: Stem

Fresh flowers that will last longest will have a strong stem. Hold a stem by the base and see if it stand up. Check that the stems aren't smelly or slimy. This would indicate they have been in water too long.

Step 4: Leaf

Check the leaves are crisp and clean with a rich even green. Any spots or bleaching may indicate disease.

Step 5: Cutting Stems

Cutting stems should be done on an angle to best enable the stem to draw up water. With woody stems such as roses split the bottom to allow water in.

Step 6: Removing thorns

Using either the blade of the scissors or your vegetable knife remove the thorns carefully.

TOP TIP: For limp flowers place them in warm water up to their necks, which will invigorate them. Warm water rises more quickly than cold. When the water reaches the flower it will perk up a bit and stand tall once more.

Step 7: Water

To ensure your blooms last longer place them in fresh cold water. A touch of bleach will keep the water fresher longer. It may seem unlikely but it really works.

Step 8: Done

For tips on flower arranging go to Videojug 'How To Arrange Flowers For A Large Vase'