Growing your own cut flowers can be a rewarding and fulfilling hobby that not only provides you with beautiful blooms but also helps to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Whether you have a small garden, a balcony or even just a windowsill, it is possible to grow your own cut flowers and create stunning arrangements that will brighten up your home and your life. In this blog post, we will explore the best flowers to grow for cut flowers and share some tips on how to arrange them.
Why grow your own cut flowers?
There are many reasons why you might want to grow your own cut flowers. Here are just a few:
- It's cost-effective: Buying cut flowers from a florist can be expensive, especially if you want to have fresh flowers in your home on a regular basis. Growing your own cut flowers can be a cost-effective way to enjoy beautiful blooms all year round.
- It's good for the environment: By growing your own flowers, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help to protect the environment. You can avoid buying flowers that have been flown in from overseas, which helps to reduce the emissions associated with transportation.
- It's good for your mental health: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can be beneficial for your mental health and wellbeing. Growing your own flowers is a great way to connect with nature and reduce stress and anxiety.
- It's fun and rewarding: Growing your own flowers can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It allows you to express your creativity and provides a sense of accomplishment when you see your flowers bloom.
Best flowers to grow for cut flowers
- Zinnias: Zinnias are a popular choice for cut flowers because they come in a range of colors and have a long vase life. They are easy to grow from seed and can be sown directly in the ground.
- Dahlias: Dahlias are another popular choice for cut flowers because of their vibrant colors and large blooms. They require a bit more maintenance than some other flowers, but the payoff is worth it.
- Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a classic choice for cut flowers because of their bright yellow petals and tall stems. They are easy to grow from seed and can be planted directly in the ground.
- Cosmos: Cosmos are delicate, daisy-like flowers that come in a range of colors. They are easy to grow from seed and can be sown directly in the ground.
- Sweet Peas: Sweet peas have a sweet fragrance and come in a range of colors. They are best grown from seed and require support for their climbing vines.
- Roses: Roses are a classic choice for cut flowers because of their elegant blooms and sweet fragrance. They require a bit more maintenance than some other flowers, but the payoff is worth it.
- Lilies: Lilies are another classic choice for cut flowers because of their large, showy blooms and long vase life. They come in a range of colors and are easy to grow from bulbs.
- Peonies: Peonies are a popular choice for wedding flowers because of their large, fluffy blooms and romantic fragrance. They require a bit more maintenance than some other flowers, but the payoff is worth it.
How to arrange cut flowers
Once you've grown your own cut flowers, the next step is to arrange them in a way that looks beautiful and enhances their natural beauty. Here are some tips on how to arrange cut flowers:
- Choose a vase: The first step in arranging cut flowers is to choose a vase that is the right size and shape for the flowers you want to display. You can choose a vase that matches the colors of your flowers or one that complements them.
- Cut the stems: Before you arrange your flowers, you need to cut the stems to
- the right length. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a floral knife to cut the stems at an angle, which will help them to absorb water more easily. Cut the stems so that the flowers will be at the right height in the vase.
- Prepare the water: Fill your vase with clean, room temperature water. You can add a floral preservative to the water, which will help to prolong the life of your flowers. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
- Arrange the flowers: Start by placing the largest flowers in the vase first, then add the smaller flowers and fill in any gaps with foliage. Arrange the flowers so that they are evenly distributed throughout the vase and look balanced from all angles.
- Cut the stems again: Once you have arranged your flowers, cut the stems again at an angle to ensure that they are at the right length and can absorb water more easily.
- Change the water regularly: To keep your cut flowers looking fresh, change the water in your vase every 2-3 days. Trim the stems each time you change the water to help the flowers absorb water more easily.
- Display your arrangement: Once you have arranged your flowers, find a spot in your home where they will be displayed prominently. Avoid placing your flowers in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can cause them to wilt more quickly.
Growing your own cut flowers can be a wonderful way to enjoy beautiful blooms all year round. Whether you have a small garden, a balcony or even just a windowsill, it is possible to grow your own cut flowers and create stunning arrangements that will brighten up your home and your life. By choosing the right flowers and following some simple tips on arranging them, you can create beautiful and long-lasting floral displays that will bring joy and beauty to your home.
