The Golden Rules of Flower Care

At Foxglove & Fern, we harvest our flowers at the perfect stage of development, often in the cool of the early morning. Because we grow without harsh chemicals, these blooms are as natural as they come, meaning they appreciate a little extra love once they reach your vase.

1. The Clean Vase Ritual

Bacteria is the number one enemy of cut flowers. Always use a scrupulously clean vase. If you can drink from it, it’s clean enough for your flowers. Fill it with cool, fresh water.

2. The Precision Cut

Before placing your stems in the vase, trim at least 2cm off the bottom of each stem at a sharp 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water uptake. Use sharp, clean snips or garden shears—never kitchen scissors, which can crush the delicate vascular tissues of the stem.

3. Foliage Management

Strip away any leaves that will sit below the waterline. Submerged foliage decays rapidly, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that will prematurely wilt your flowers. Keep the water clear and the stems clean.

4. The Perfect Position

Keep your blooms away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and ripening fruit. Fruit releases ethylene gas, which acts as a natural ageing hormone for flowers, causing them to drop their petals much faster than normal.

5. Refreshing the Water

Every two days, give your flowers a fresh start. Recut the stems, wash the vase, and replace the water entirely. If you keep the water clear, you will be rewarded with days of extra joy from your seasonal bunch.

Whether you’ve picked up a DIY bucket for an event or a weekly market bunch, these simple steps will help you enjoy the beauty of Daylesford-grown flowers for longer.