Spring, summer, and fall are a great time to bring the garden indoors with cut flowers. No prior experience is necessary to harvest flowers for bouquets. If you cut flowers from your own garden, there are several things that can be done to condition those flowers to ensure they stay fresh, colorful, and vibrant for as long as possible.
The vibrant blooms of Barletta floral plants can instantly brighten any space. To enjoy their beauty to the fullest, it’s important to harvest the flowers at just the right time using proper techniques. Follow this complete guide to learn when and how to harvest your Barletta plants for maximum longevity and visual appeal.
Why Timing Matters
Harvesting Barletta flowers at the optimal stage of maturity ensures
- Vibrant, fully developed coloration
- Long lasting blooms once cut
- Ample time to enjoy in arrangements
- Minimized risk of wilting
- Continued flower production on the plant
Timing is also key for flavor when harvesting Barletta blooms for edible uses. Pick too early and the blossoms will lack full sweetness.
Knowing When to Harvest
Barletta plants produce a spray of bell-shaped blooms on a central stem. Monitor the progress of the blooms to identify the prime harvesting time:
- Harvest when 3-5 bottom flowers on stem are open
- Flowers should be symmetrical and fully colored
- Avoid harvesting when buds or petals are still curled
- Harvest early morning after dew dries for best hydration
During peak flowering, plan to harvest every 2-3 days. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more growth.
Proper Harvesting Techniques
Use care when removing Barletta blooms to avoid damaging the plant:
Hand Picking
- Grasp stem just below bloom and gently pull upward
- Don’t twist or bend stem
- Move slowly to avoid crushing delicate petals
Cutting
- Use sharp, clean shears or knife
- Cut stem 1-2 inches below bloom
- Make quick, precise cuts
General Tips
- Support heavy bloom heads to avoid stem breakage
- Keep harvested flowers shaded & hydrated
- Use floral preservative to extend vase life
Storing Harvested Blooms
After harvesting, Barletta flowers can be displayed or preserved in various ways:
- Keep in water at room temperature for 5-7 days max
- Refrigerate in water for up to 10 days
- Air dry upside down in a dark, dry location
- Press between pages in a heavy book to flatten
- Freeze in ice cubes for whimsical drinks
Proper post-harvest care maximizes enjoyment of your floral bounty.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If challenges arise when harvesting Barletta plants, implement these troubleshooting tips:
Wilting
- Harvest in morning vs. midday heat
- Immediately place in water after cutting
- Recut stems and change water daily
Damaged Blooms
- Handle gently to avoid crushing
- Support heavy flower heads
- Use sharp shears for clean cuts
Short Vase Life
- Use floral preservative
- Recut stems every 2-3 days
- Keep flowers hydrated and away from direct sun
With the right techniques and timing, you can harvest and enjoy gorgeous Barletta floral blooms at their peak. Follow this guide for flourishing flowers that will elevate any space.
Some Species Need Special Care
Certain plant species involve special treatment. Stems that exude a milky sap, may need to be singed or burned slightly to prevent excess sap loss. Simply hold the cut end over a candle flame for a few seconds until the flow of sap stops. Stems of woody plants like lilac may need to be cut twice to ensure adequate water uptake. After removing the stem from the plant, cut the bottom inch of the stem again, crosswise this time, prior to placing it in the vase.
Keep the Foliage Out of the Water
Remove the lower leaves on flower stems. Leaves that are submerged in water will likely rot and quickly discolor the water. This means you will need to change the water more frequently.
Sunflowers: When to harvest & post harvest practices to extend blooms 1-1.5 weeks out
FAQ
How do you harvest flowering plants?
What is the best time to harvest plants?
When should flowers be harvested?
Can you harvest wet flowers?
How does Charles Little & Co harvest flowers?
Charles Little & Co. employs a small crew to harvest their flowers. While doing so early in the morning is important, Charles will often start the crew’s day with weeding for a few hours before harvesting. “Typically, crops are soaking wet at daybreak, but once the sun is out and the wind has picked up, the flowers start to dry off.
How do you harvest a flower?
Harvest flowers at their peak readiness, with speed and clean tools, water, and buckets. It almost goes without saying: Harvesting into clean buckets equals a superior botanical product. “Post-harvest practices take time to get a handle on,” says Janis Harris. “I think the water source is very important.
How do you Wilt flowers after harvesting?
Move flowers to a cool area. Recut stems under water. Place flower in solutions depending on the need of the flowers. After harvesting, flowers are then moved to a cool area where stems can be recut and placed in solutions depending on the specific need of the flowers. Once harvested, flowers continue to transpire and will wilt rapidly.
Should you read a book on postharvest handling of Cut Flowers & greens?
Without hesitation, flower farmers cite a publication from the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers as their go-to reference: Postharvest Handling of Cut Flowers and Greens. Subtitled A Practical Guide for Commercial Growers, Wholesalers, and Retailers, the book is “a must when I have a new crop I’m harvesting,” says Laura Mewbourn.