Bringing the beauty of the outdoors into our homes with fresh-cut flowers is a delightful way to brighten any space. However, not all flowers are equal when it comes to their staying power in a vase. Let’s explore what makes a flower a good “cut flower,” featuring some common examples.
What Defines a ‘Good Cut Flower?’
A “good cut flower” is one that can withstand being cut from the plant, retain its freshness and beauty for an extended period and is versatile enough to complement various floral arrangements. Here are some key characteristics that make a flower an ideal candidate for cutting:
Longevity: A good cut flower should have a relatively long vase life, allowing you to enjoy its beauty for days rather than mere hours.
Sturdy stems: Flowers with strong, sturdy stems are better equipped to withstand being cut and arranged in vases without wilting prematurely.
Minimal pollen: Flowers with minimal pollen are preferable as they are less likely to cause allergies or create messes in the vase.
Vibrant colors: Bright, vibrant colors add visual appeal to floral arrangements and create a lively atmosphere.
Continuous blooming: Flowers that continue to produce new blooms even after cutting are excellent for ensuring a fresh supply of flowers for arrangements.
Shining examples of good cut flowers:
Zinnias: These cheerful blooms come in a wide array of colors, have sturdy stems and can last for days, making them a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.
Cosmos: Delicate and graceful, cosmos offer pastel hues, sturdy stems and a relatively long vase life, making them a lovely addition to bouquets.
Snapdragons: With their unique dragon-shaped blooms, snapdragons feature strong stems and a delightful range of colors, making them perfect for striking arrangements.
Sunflowers: Known for their sunny disposition, sunflowers boast sturdy stems, and their large, vibrant blooms can brighten up any space.
why some may not make the cut:
Dandelions: While dandelions have a charming appearance, if you’ve ever been gifted one by a well-meaning kiddo, you learned they’re not ideal for cut flower arrangements. Their stems are hollow and lack the water-carrying capacity needed to keep the flowers fresh for an extended period.
Daylilies: Daylilies are stunning in gardens but not as cut flowers. Their blooms last only a day (hence their name), and their stems tend to weaken quickly once cut, leading to premature wilting.
By choosing flowers with the right characteristics and employing proper care, you can create stunning and long-lasting cut flower arrangements with locally grown flowers that infuse your home with the natural beauty of the outdoors. At Rooted Farmstead, we responsibly grow a diverse array of popular and unique fresh cut flowers, Now through mid-October, we invite you to visit our farm and enjoy pick-your-own flowers, workshops, events and more.
Christie Holloway is the owner of Rooted Farmstead, a flower farm and agritourism destination in Bellefonte.
