Last Updated on September 2, 2024
Dahlias are beautiful, showy flowers used in floral arrangements and mixed bouquets during the summer and fall seasons.
They come in various colors and sizes, making them a favorite of DIYers and professional floral designers.
Cut dahlias can often be challenging to care for, but with the proper conditioning and care, their vase life can last several days longer than average.
This guide will give you the best tips and practices for conditioning and caring for fresh-cut dahlias.
Key Takeaways
- Select fully open dahlias and remove foliage below the waterline before placing them in warm water with flower food.
- Cut stems at a 45-degree angle underwater to enhance water absorption and prevent air bubbles.
- Implement hot water treatment (160°F-180°F) for at least an hour to improve water uptake and flower vibrancy.
- Change water daily, recut stems, and add floral preservatives to maintain freshness and extend vase life.
- Store arrangements in a cool spot away from direct sunlight and heat sources for optimal longevity.
Choosing Dahlias: What To Look For
Whether you choose dinner plate dahlias, cactus dahlias, or a pompon variety of dahlias, there are several things to look for when using them in your floral designs.
Inspecting dahlias thoroughly before purchasing them is especially important if you plan to use them for a wedding or special event.
Choose fully open flowers or as open as you need them for your design because once dahlias are cut, the flowers and the buds will not open any further.
Avoid flowers with damaged or faded petals or open centers showing pollen. That’s a sign that the flower is past its prime.
Conditioning Dahlias Upon Arrival
The first step in preparing dahlias for use is conditioning them properly. This involves hydrating the stems and removing excess foliage that will draw moisture away from the blooms.
Remove any foliage below the waterline to prevent bacterial buildup in the water.
Start by cutting the stems at an angle with sharp scissors or shears. This will prevent air bubbles from forming, allowing for better water absorption.
Once cut, the stems should be immediately placed in warm water and mixed with flower food according to directions.
After the initial conditioning, it is important to change the water daily to ensure the flowers remain as healthy as possible. When changing the water, continue adding floral preservatives as directed to help extend the vase life of your dahlias.
The final step in caring for cut dahlias is ensuring they are kept in a cool environment with low humidity and plenty of air circulation. Keeping them out of direct sunlight also helps preserve their vibrant colors over time.
Hot Water Conditioning
Hot water conditioning is great for getting the most out of your dahlias. This method helps extend the vase life of dahlias for longer periods.
It’s useful especially when purchasing dahlias from local flower farmers, farmer’s markets, or if you cut them from your garden.
The hot water conditioning method requires the following steps:
1. Heat some water in a large pot or kettle on your stove to a temperature between 160°F (71°C) to 180°F (82°C). Pour the hot water into a large container or bucket and mix in flower food according to the directions.
2. Place the dahlias in this hot water for at least one hour.
3. Remove the dahlias from the hot water; they will be ready for use in your floral design project.
During the summer, we often buy dahlias from local flower farmers who use this method to condition the dahlias they sell. That’s how I learned about it.
If you are cutting dahlias from your garden, this clip explains exactly how you can do this yourself.
The Bottom Line: How To Make Cut Dahlias Last Longer
You don’t need to be a Dahlia expert to know that proper conditioning is the key to extending the vase life of dahlias.
If possible, change the water every couple of days. Rinse the vase, add cool water and floral preservatives, clean the stems with cold water, and give them a fresh cut with the stems under water.
My experience has been that when recutting, the angle of the cut doesn’t make any difference.
Ensure no leaves are below the waterline to keep the water clean.
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