The Best Time Of Day To Cut Flowers, According To Experts

Key Takeaways

• The optimal time for cutting most flowers is early in the morning when temperatures are cooler, helping flowers maintain moisture and stay fresh longer.

• Late afternoon is an alternative time for cutting flowers, as plants have accumulated energy during the day, aiding in longer-lasting freshness.

• Midday should be avoided for cutting flowers due to higher temperatures and stronger sunlight, which can lead to rapid dehydration.

For the prettiest cut flower bouquets and arrangements, timing is key. But it’s not just about cutting before flowers reach full maturity or prior to realizing their beauty is spent—cutting flowers from your garden comes down to cutting at precisely the right time of day for the best results. Cut timing can affect the quality of your cut flowers, ensuring your blooms dazzle for days, rather than wilting before their time. Here, plant experts share everything you need to know about the best time to cut your flowers.

Related: How To Make Cut Flower Arrangements Last Longer

Meet the Experts

• Ace Berry, floral artist, Oasis Forage Products

• Linda Vater, plant expert for Southern Living® Plant Collection

Factors To Consider

“Timing is crucial when cutting flowers because it affects their hydration and overall health,” says Berry. “Flowers cut at the right time, typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon, are more hydrated and less stressed.” Ensuring that you’re hitting optimal timing will help them retain moisture as they will continue to efficiently absorb water longer than stems cut at less ideal times. This leads to firmer stems and buds and a fresher appearance.

Reduced morning or late afternoon temperatures are the true heroes for flower longevity, especially when paired with more humid conditions—but don’t underestimate the power of seasonal timing, too. While their benefits take a more aesthetic bend, timing your flower cutting with the foliage and other hallmarks of each new season can lend endless appeal to your arrangements.

“Cutting flowers early in the season offers an array of attractive buds,” says Vater. “In the fall as the weather cools, you can obtain foliage with distinctive red and orange hues, and in late fall and winter, berries to add unique texture and flair to your arrangements.”

Related: 8 Best Flowers For A Cutting Garden

Morning Time

Early morning is considered the best time to cut most flowers. That’s because the cooler temperatures are a big stress reducer for your pretty blooms. “The cool, humid conditions in the morning help flowers maintain moisture, ensuring they stay fresh and vibrant longer,” Berry explains. “This period allows flowers to be at their peak hydration levels, making them less prone to wilting.” When the mercury starts rising and the sun’s rays get stronger toward midday, it causes more rapid dehydration, which will make your flowers fade faster.

Tips For Cutting Flowers In The Morning

While you might be well on your way to maximizing your blooms by cutting them in the morning, follow Berry’s tips for even more longevity boosting gusto.

• Always use clean, sharp scissors as this will prevent damage to the stem when cutting.

• Bring a bucket of lukewarm water out to the garden with you when you’re ready to cut, and place it in a shaded spot. This way you can put the stems in water immediately, which can reduce the potential for wilting.

• Trim at an angle so the stems are able to sit on the bottom of the vase while still absorbing water.

• Pick the right buds. Select flowers that are just starting to open. These blooms will give you the longest vase life.

Late Afternoon/Evening Time

“Cutting flowers in the late afternoon or evening can be beneficial because the plants have accumulated more carbohydrates and energy through photosynthesis during the day,” explains Berry. “This energy reserve helps sustain the flowers after they are cut, contributing to longer freshness.” The floral artist says the evening’s cooler temperatures can also reduce stress on the blooms. If it’s not feasible to cut your flowers in the morning, the late afternoon and early evening is a suitable alternative.

Tips For Cutting Flowers In The Afternoon Or Evening

• Start early: When cutting flowers in the late afternoon or evening, the prep work starts in the a.m.

• Water the flowers early in the day so they are hydrated by the time you’re ready to cut.

• Prepare a bucket of lukewarm water to bring out to your yard when you’re ready to cut. It should be placed in a shaded spot nearby so you can add stems to the bucket immediately after cutting to reduce dehydration.

• Always use clean, sharp scissors and cut at an angle to allow the stems to collect water even if they’re situated against the bottom of the vase.

Midday Time

Of all the times when you might be tempted to cut some fresh flowers for your table, midday is one to avoid.

During this time, transpiration (the process by which water evaporates from the plant, particularly through the leaves) occurs at a greater rate thanks to brighter sunlight and warmer temperatures. The result is faster dehydration in cut flowers.

"Midday is generally not recommended for cutting flowers because the higher temperatures and intense sunlight can cause the flowers to dehydrate and wilt quickly. Flowers cut during midday are often less hydrated and more vulnerable to water loss, making them less likely to stay fresh for an extended period."

Ace Berry

Why Time Of Day Is Important

“For cut flowers like hydrangeas, it’s important to know when to cut them for a long-lasting arrangement,” says Vader. While the right technique for cutting can go a long way, nothing will have quite as much impact on the longevity of your blooms than choosing the right time to hit your garden with a bucket of lukewarm water and your sharpest shears in hand.

The Best Time To Cut Flowers

The high humidity levels, cooler temperatures, and overall increased hydration of flowers in the morning makes it the best time to get cutting. That being said, flower varieties that close at night might need more time to fully open which means they might do best with late-afternoon timing.

If cutting your flowers in the morning doesn’t work for your schedule, the early evening is a great alternative. Your flowers will benefit from the cooler temperatures as well as the added energy and carbohydrates they accumulated during the day through photosynthesis.

Frequently asked Questions

What happens if I cut flowers at the wrong time of day?

When you cut flowers at the wrong time of day, especially during the warmest part of the day, it can result in premature wilting and dehydration, says Berry. While the powerful sunlight and heat can cause a rapid decrease in moisture which translates to reduced longevity, your midday cuts may also suffer from reduced water absorption—yet another contributing factor for shorter vase life.

Is it okay to cut flowers just after rain?

Berry suggests avoiding cutting flowers during rainy periods. Wet flowers can be more susceptible to mildew and mold.

Does the best time of day to cut flowers vary depending on the type of flower?

“While early morning and late afternoon are generally recommended, some flowers may have specific needs,” says Berry. Case in point: flowers that close at night like daylilies, which the floral artist says should be cut when they’re fully open in the late afternoon. “Researching and understanding the specific requirements of each flower type can help optimize their vase life,” he advises.

How can I ensure the longest possible vase life for cut flowers?

Cutting during optimal times, using clean, sharp tools to trim stems at an angle, and placing them in water right away can all go a long way in extending the life of your cut flowers, says Berry. He also recommends changing the water daily and trimming stems every few days to ensure they continue to absorb water. Finally, placing them somewhere that is not in direct sunlight or near a heat source will also help.

Read the original article on Southern Living