!EXPRESS! FLOWERS : Mums and Daisies

MUMS-- Having a vase life of 14-21 days, these hearty flowers are available year round. With more than 100 varieties, chrysanthemums include the spray varieties, having several 0.5-2.5 inch flowers per stem, and the standard varieties that have one, usually large, 4-6 inch flower. The spray varieties, known as pompons, include the daisies -known for their ring of petals that surround a central, yellow or green button; cushions - having numerous petals but lacking a central button, and dots - having small, compact petals and measuring only 0.5-0.75 inch in diameter. The spider mum or fuji is a standard variety with very long outer petals and no central button. Having a wide range of colors, these flowers are most commonly produced in white, yellow and shades of purple, usually lavender.

Care and Handling:

Place 4-8 inches of cool water in a clean bucket and add preservative according to the manufacture's instructions on the package.
Cut the stems 2 to 3 inches and place in the solution, making sure that all the leaves below the water line have been removed .
Adjust the top of the plastic sleeve which covers each bunch, so that it is even with the the tops of the flowers. This will insure proper air circulation. If storing the flowers for more than 36 hours, remove the sleeves.
Avoid overcrowding the bucket.
After two days in the solution, place the flowers in clean water. In order to promote longevity and avoid stem blockage due to bacterial buildup, the water should be changed every day, and the stems should be trimmed approximately 0.5 inch every two or three days.This is extremely important with chrysanthemums.