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Conditioning

• Level 1
• Level 2

LEARNING THE BASICS - CONDITIONING FLOWERS

Conditioning refers to the preparation of plant material to help it retain its freshest possible state for the longest period of time.  You will be able to enjoy your arrangements longer if you condition the plant material properly. Over the years, arrangers have found tricks for conditioning individual types of plants and flowers.  Feel free to contribute your tricks and tips for conditioning individual types of plants and flowers.  Send your to me by email. LEVEL 3   INDIVIDUAL FLOWERS - TYPES AND TIPS

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Fagus Beech	Cut stem ends vertically about 1" and stand in deep water for several hours.  Foliage and nut capsules are valuable for arranging.
Fatsia	Cut stem ends vertically about 1" and stand in deep water for several hours.
Ferns	Most varieties will benefit from singing stem ends and submerging in warm water  overnight.  Then stand upright in cool water.  When using Leatherleaf, do not place in water.  Keep leatherleaf fresh by misting and placing in a plastic bag or container in a cool location.
Feverfew Chrysanthemum parthenium	Cut late in the day. Place stem ends in boiling water for 30 seconds, protecting flower heads from steam, then remove to cool water overnight.
Ficus Fig	Place stem ends in boiling water for 60 seconds, protecting foliage with a wrap of newspaper, then stand in deep water for several hours.
Forsythia	Cut stem ends vertically about 1" and stand in deep water for several hours.
Freesia	Place stems in warm, deep water for several hours.
Fritillaria Crown Imperial	Support heavy flowers and stand in deep water for several hours. Use flower preservative intended for bulb flowers.
The common wisdom for a long time was to crush or hammer woody stems to increase water consumption.  Study now indicates that this practice injures water absorbing cells and allows dead plant material to enter the water, encouraging growth of bacteria.  For most woody materials, it is now suggested that we use clean pruners to make vertical cuts at the base of the stem.
Gaillardia Blanket Flower	Stand in deep water for several hours.
Garrya Silk tassel	Cut stem ends vertically about 1" and stand in deep water.
Genista Broom	Cut stem ends vertically about 1" and stand in deep water.
Gentiana Gentian	Stand in warm water.
Geranium Crane's Bill	Stand in deep water to keep fresh.
Gerbera Transvaal Daisy	Mix 1 tbsp. cornstarch (or dissolve 15-20 cornstarch pellets) in quart of warm water. Let stand for several hours. Recut and hold in deep water.
Geum	Expose 1" of stem ends to boiling water for 20 seconds, protecting flower heads, then stand in deep cool water.
Gladiolus	Cut stem ends vertically about 1" and stand in deep water for several hours. Remove individual flowers as they wilt, and recut stem ends. Use flower preservative intended for bulb flowers.
Gomphrena	Cut stems as long as possible and stand in deep water for several hours.
Gypsophila Baby's Breath	Cut stems as long as possible and stand in deep water for several hours. To use and re-use dried baby's breath in a fresh arrangement, cluster stems and place in a water pick to protect from moisture.

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