Timing is everything when cutting flowers. Always pick blooms in the early morning before the sun hits the plant. At this time, the flowers are most hydrated, which maximises their vase life. Avoid cutting in the heat of the day, as the plant is already losing moisture, leaving your flowers dehydrated.

How to Collect and Condition Bulbs

Handle with Care

Bulb stems like tulips and daffodils are often fleshy and easily damaged by blunt tools. For a clean cut:

• Use sharp, high-quality secateurs (we recommend ARS).
• Cut one stem at a time to avoid crushing or tearing the delicate stems.

Cut at the Right Angle

• Most bulb stems should be cut on an angle, which prevents the stem from sealing to the bottom of the vase.
• Exceptions: Daffodils and hyacinths should be cut horizontally, just above soil level.

Minimise Foliage Loss

Leave as much foliage on the plant as possible. This helps the bulb store energy for its next flowering season.

Keep Tools Clean

Bulb stems release gooey sap that can clog your tools. To keep your secateurs clean and functional, dip them in a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) after each cut.

Conditioning Tips

• Place freshly cut flowers into a clean bucket of cold water immediately.
• Store the bucket in a cool spot for at least three hours before arranging.
• Daffodils should be kept in a separate bucket during this period. Their sap can shorten the vase life of other flowers. After conditioning, they can be combined in arrangements.
• Want your flowers to open faster? Use warm water instead of cold in your bucket.

Top Bulbs for Cut Flowers

Freesia

• When to Pick: Cut when the first bud opens.
• Care Tip: Remove any multi-branched stems as they won’t flower.
• Lifespan: Over a week.

Daffodils

• When to Pick: Select blooms just as they reach a 90-degree angle and begin to open.
• Care Tip: Avoid picking too early; they won’t open fully.

Irises

• When to Pick: Look for buds showing colour but not yet open. Allow at least one flower on the plant to open fully before picking.
• Bonus: Their hardy stems make them excellent for cutting.

Tulips

• When to Pick: Choose flowers with a hint of colour at the bud's edges while the remaining bud remains green.
• Care Tip: Include the two nearest leaves with the cut stem to provide sugars that enhance colour and help the flower open.

Aftercare for Cut Bulbs

1. Water Matters: Keep the vase filled with clean, fresh water and top it up regularly.
2. Stay Cool: Position the vase in a cool, shaded area, as direct sunlight shortens flower life.
3. Trim Regularly: Recut stems by 1cm every 3–4 days to ensure freshwater uptake.

With these tips and tricks, your cut bulb flowers will rival even the finest florist bouquets. Take the time to condition and care for your flowers, and enjoy a stunning, long-lasting display that fills your home with beauty and fragrance.