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Episode 120: Francoise Weeks                                

Botanical Brouhaha Expert Discussion Panel: No. 72

Question:

How do you keep dahlias from wilting in your bouquets?

Dahlia | Love 'n Fresh Flowers

Answers:

Crowning Glory! Sometimes I feel like I should start a CG Anonymous group, because I’m addicted to that stuff. During hot summer days it’s the best bet for helping the dahlias to seal in their moisture. Not only do I spray the front of the bloom, I spray the back side of the dahlia – this is especially helpful with Cafe Au Laits who wilt easily.

Alicia Schwede (Bella Fiori and Flirty Fleurs)

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That is a very good and tricky question. I have tried tricks such as burning the stem with a flame or heating them with boiling water… But truly I see no difference with freshly cut stems. What I do is try to use as many dahlias from my garden as possible, and pick them as late as possible. Or I buy them from local farmers which I trust and know they harvest just the day before they sell their flowers on the market. Once ready, I keep the bouquets in a cold (18° C) dark room. Also dahlias start to wilt on the back, I therefore always make sure that only the front is visible in my designs.

Laetitia Mayor (Floresie)

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We are lucky to have access to dahlias from local growers in Portland. I buy the dahlias on Friday and never have had an issue. I always deliver hand-tieds in vases with a bit of water.

Francoise Weeks (Francoise Weeks)

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Since I grow all my own dahlias, I really have no issues with wilting at all. Dahlias that are harvested properly and haven’t been shipped are tough as nails. If you can find a local grower to partner with to get them directly, that would be the best solution to your wilting woes.

Jennie Love (Love ‘n Fresh Flowers)

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I source all my Dahlias locally as I find the dahlias that have just been cut and haven’t been out of water or over handled hold up so much better. I often nestle them in bouquets and use greenery, berries or another accent to kind of ‘prop up’ their head in case they begin to wilt while out of water too long. I also advise my brides to leave their bouquets in water as long as possible so everything is super fresh for walking down the aisle.

Elisabeth Zemetis (Blush Floral Design)

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Dahlia | Love 'n Fresh Flowers

Dahlia | Love 'n Fresh Flowers

Dahlia | Love 'n Fresh Flowers

Dahlia | Love 'n Fresh Flowers

All images courtesy of Love ‘n Fresh Flowers

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