How to Pick Flowers

Co-authored by Denise Porcaro Tupper

Last Updated: December 7, 2022

Picking flowers can be a simple task, yet it can also be a more successful one if you know a few simple ins and outs of picking flowers correctly. This knowledge will ensure that you select the flowers at their best and have them last longest.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choose the best time to pick flowers

1
Cut flowers early in the morning. This is the best time of day because the flowers are fresh from the night's rest and haven't been exposed to a day of warmth.^{[1]
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Leading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants
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2
Cut in the evening. If you're not able to cut flowers in the morning, the evening is the next best choice, as the flowers won't be wilting under the heat of the sun.

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3
Avoid cutting flowers when it's the middle of the day. At this time of the day the flowers will have very little moisture and will not last long when placed in a vase or bouquet.^{[2]
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Royal Horticultural Society
Leading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants
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4
Choose flowers that are just coming into full bloom for picking. If you pick the flowers before this, there is a risk that they will be too immature to open their buds. And if they're picked well into bloom or towards the end of blooming, they'll fade fast on display in just water. Older blooms will drop petals and pollen everywhere, creating a mess in your house.
- Blooms that are dusted with pollen are past their prime.
- Exceptions to this rule include daffodils and tree blossom; these should be picked when still in bud. The warmth of your house will cause them to open quickly.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

To pick or to cut?

1
Although it's common to refer to "picking" flowers, choose to cut most flowers instead, using a sharp pair of scissors or garden snips. If the flowers have woody stems, make sure that your tool is hardy enough to cut through. You will find that flowers that have been cut will last longer than those picked and this also minimizes damage to the plant.^{[3]
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2
Note the exceptions. Flowers such as the Iris stylosa and cyclamens need to be pulled out completely, rather than cut. Learn about the specific needs of the flowers in your garden to see which ones fare better being completely removed.
3
Always ensure that the cutting instrument (scissors, snips, knife, etc.) is sharp and clean. Avoid transferring disease to the flower plant by having dirty snips.^{[4]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

How to cut

1
Cut flower stems at an angle. The reason for this is that you create more surface area for the flower to drink up water.^{[5]
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2
If cutting a lot of flowers, carry a small pail or bucket of water with you to place the flowers straight into it.
- Use lukewarm or room temperature water, not cold tap water.^{[6]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Requirements of specific flowers

1
Know which flowers are best picked when. Here are some common garden varieties and their best picking times:^{[7]
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- Daffodils – while in tight bud
- Daisies, dahlias, marguerites - when coming into full bloom; if dusted with pollen, they're not good to pick anymore
- Long flowers such as lupins, foxgloves, delphiniums – when the lower flowers are fully open with some of the upper level buds yet to open
- Poppies – when the buds have just burst open
- Peonies - when the petals begin to unfurl
- Chrysanthemums - when the flowers are fully open.

Community Q&A

Question

What kind of water should I place them in?

Community Answer

I always place my flowers in plain tap water or rain water, so the plant stays fresh longer. Usually, when I add something to the water, my flowers will die sooner.