How to Harvest Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas produce beautiful clusters of flowers that are perfect for use in flower arrangements. They are pretty fresh or dried to enjoy for many years. Choose clusters of flowers that are completely open; flowers that are not completely open may wilt prematurely. For dried arrangements, allow the flower cluster to partially dry on the plant, then harvest while it still has color and before completely drying out.
Harvest Hydrangea for Fresh Arrangements
Harvest hydrangea flowers in late summer, from August to October. Keep the plants watered and fertilize monthly with a liquid fertilizer for flowers.
Choose flowers that have opened completely. Cut the stems on the diagonal with sharp pruning shears.
- Hydrangeas produce beautiful clusters of flowers that are perfect for use in flower arrangements.
- For dried arrangements, allow the flower cluster to partially dry on the plant, then harvest while it still has color and before completely drying out.
Remove the leaves from the hydrangea stems and place the stems immediately into cool water. Allow them to rest in the water for 1 to 2 hours.
Ready a vase with water for arranging the fresh flowers. Hold the hydrangea stems under water and cut again about 1 inch above the original cut. Arrange the flowers in the vase and keep them watered.
Drying Hydrangeas
Allow the hydrangea flowers to mature on the plant before picking. Pick them just as the flowers begin to lose color but are still lush and colorful.
- Remove the leaves from the hydrangea stems and place the stems immediately into cool water.
- Hold the hydrangea stems under water and cut again about 1 inch above the original cut.
Cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Remove the leaves and arrange the flowers in a vase or display container without water.
Leave the flowers to dry. Flowers with thin, weak stems can be hung upside down to dry. They will dry out and retain their color for a long time, but will eventually turn brown.
Spray the hydrangea blooms with a mixture of glycerin and water to help keep them supple. Spray with hairspray to help them retain their color.
- Cut the stem with sharp pruning shears.
- Spray the hydrangea blooms with a mixture of glycerin and water to help keep them supple.
Warning
Avoid cutting flowers during the heat of the day to prevent wilting.
Related Articles
References
Warnings
- Avoid cutting flowers during the heat of the day to prevent wilting.
Writer Bio
Diane Watkins has been writing since 1984, with experience in newspaper, newsletter and Web content. She writes two electronic newsletters and has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Clemson University. She has taken graduate courses in biochemistry and education.
