How to Condition Dahlias
- 1). Cut the dahlias early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Intense sun will wilt the flowers faster than you can condition them. Remove any leaves from the stem that will be below the water level in a vase.
- 2). Bring the flowers inside and cut two inches off the stems at an angle. Immediately singe the end of the stem for 30 seconds with a lighter or candle to seal the milky substance inside the stem.
- 3). Fill a container of water large enough to hold your dahlias. For every gallon of water, add one tablespoon of sugar to nourish the plants and 1/4 tablespoon of bleach to kill any bacteria. Place the singed dahlias in the container, submerging the stems almost up to the flower heads. This solution is called a flower preservative.
- 4). Place the container in a cool, humid place for at least two hours. The flowers are then ready to be arranged. If you must cut the stems again, be sure to repeat the steps above.
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