Flower Types & Characteristics

Flower Type Longevity Cost Skill Level Best Uses
Fresh Cut Flowers 3-14 days Medium-High All levels Bouquets, centerpieces, events
Dried Flowers 6-12 months Low-Medium Beginner Wreaths, potpourri, rustic decor
Silk/Artificial Years Medium Beginner Permanent displays, allergy-friendly
Preserved Flowers 1-3 years High Intermediate Luxury arrangements, keepsakes
Paper Flowers Indefinite Low Intermediate DIY projects, backdrops
Foam Flowers Indefinite Low Beginner Children’s crafts, practice

Essential Floral Tools

Tool Category Basic Tools Professional Tools Price Range Purpose
Cutting Tools Floral scissors, pruning shears Japanese floral knives, wire cutters $15-80 Clean stem cuts, wire work
Support Materials Floral foam, chicken wire Kenzan (pin holders), floral cages $10-50 Structure and water source
Conditioning Flower food, bleach, aspirin Commercial conditioners, pH strips $5-25 Extend flower life
Assembly Tools Floral tape, wire, picks Stem wrap, corsage pins $10-30 Secure arrangements
Containers Vases, baskets, bowls Designer vessels, mechanics $20-200+ Display and water containment
Measuring Ruler, proportional divider Golden ratio calipers $5-40 Design balance and scale

Fresh Flower Care & Conditioning

Flower Type Stem Cut Water Temperature Special Treatment Vase Life
Roses 45° angle underwater Warm Remove thorns, lower leaves 7-10 days
Tulips Straight cut Cold Wrap in newspaper, refrigerate 5-8 days
Lilies 45° angle Room temp Remove pollen, condition 2 hours 10-14 days
Chrysanthemums Crush stem end Warm Remove lower leaves 10-14 days
Carnations Between nodes Warm Twist stems, not cut 14-21 days
Sunflowers 45° angle underwater Warm Sear stem end briefly 6-12 days
Hydrangeas Underwater cut Warm Submerge entire head 30 min 5-7 days

Arrangement Styles & Techniques

Style Shape Skill Level Flower Count Typical Occasions
Round Bouquet Circular, compact Beginner 12-24 stems Weddings, gifts
Cascade/Waterfall Flowing downward Advanced 20-40 stems Bridal bouquets
Linear/Contemporary Geometric, structured Intermediate 5-15 stems Modern spaces
Garden Style Loose, natural Intermediate 15-30 stems Rustic, organic looks
Symmetrical Triangle Classic pyramid Beginner+ 15-25 stems Traditional arrangements
Asymmetrical Off-balance design Advanced 10-20 stems Contemporary, artistic
Topiary Shaped, structured Intermediate+ Varies Formal events, topiaries

Colour Theory for Florals

Colour Scheme Effect Flower Combinations Best Applications
Monochromatic Elegant, sophisticated Various shades of one colour Formal events, minimalist
Analogous Harmonious, peaceful Adjacent colours (red-orange-yellow) Natural, garden-style
Complementary Bold, dramatic Opposite colours (purple-yellow) Statement pieces, contrast
Triadic Balanced, vibrant Three evenly spaced colours Festive, energetic displays
Split-Complementary Subtle contrast Base + two adjacent opposites Sophisticated, interesting
Neutral + Accent Calming with pop Whites/greens + one bright colour Versatile, classic

Dried Flower Techniques

Drying Method Time Required Best Flowers Quality Result Equipment Needed
Air Drying 1-3 weeks Lavender, baby’s breath, statice Good String, dry dark space
Silica Gel 2-7 days Roses, peonies, delicate flowers Excellent Silica gel, airtight container
Pressing 2-6 weeks Pansies, ferns, small flowers Good for flat use Flower press or heavy books
Glycerin 3-6 days Eucalyptus, magnolia leaves Flexible, natural Glycerin solution
Microwave 1-3 minutes Small flowers, emergency Fair Silica gel, microwave-safe dish
Freeze Drying Professional All types Excellent Commercial service

Seasonal Flower Availability

Season Peak Flowers Colour Palette Design Themes Price Notes
Spring Tulips, daffodils, cherry blossoms Pastels, fresh greens Renewal, Easter, weddings Moderate, increasing
Summer Sunflowers, roses, peonies Bright, vibrant Outdoor events, vacations Peak availability, lower cost
Fall Chrysanthemums, dahlias, marigolds Warm oranges, deep reds Harvest, Thanksgiving Good availability
Winter Poinsettias, amaryllis, holly Reds, whites, evergreen Holidays, formal events Limited fresh, higher cost

Wreath Making Guide

Wreath Type Base Material Attachment Method Flower Types Difficulty
Grapevine Natural vine Wire, hot glue Dried, silk flowers Beginner
Foam Ring Floral foam Floral picks, pins Fresh flowers (short-term) Beginner
Wire Frame Metal wire Floral wire, tape All types Intermediate
Straw Base Compressed straw Floral pins, wire Dried, artificial Beginner+
Moss Covered Wire + sphagnum moss Floral pins Fresh, dried Intermediate
Living Wreath Chicken wire + moss Plant directly Succulents, small plants Advanced

Bouquet Construction

Component Purpose Materials Technique Timing
Focal Flowers Main attraction Large blooms (roses, lilies) Place first, create triangle Start here
Filler Flowers Add volume Medium blooms (carnations) Fill gaps, maintain shape Second layer
Texture Elements Visual interest Berries, seed pods Scatter throughout Third addition
Greenery Foundation, frame Ferns, eucalyptus Create backdrop Often first step
Binding Secure stems Floral tape, wire Spiral technique After assembly
Finishing Clean appearance Ribbon, stem wrap Cover mechanics Final step

Floral Foam Usage

Foam Type Soaking Time Water Capacity Best For Lifespan
Standard Green 2-5 minutes Holds 40x its weight Fresh arrangements 1-2 weeks
Deluxe/Premium 1-3 minutes Higher capacity Professional work 2-3 weeks
Dry Foam No soaking Not applicable Silk/dried flowers Reusable
Eco-Friendly 30 seconds Good retention Environmentally conscious 1-2 weeks
Specialty Shapes As directed Varies Specific designs Project dependent

Corsage & Boutonniere Guide

Item Type Typical Flowers Construction Wear Location Occasion
Wrist Corsage Small roses, orchids Elastic band, ribbon Left wrist Proms, formals
Pin Corsage Compact flowers Corsage pin Left shoulder/lapel Mother’s Day, ceremonies
Boutonniere Single stem + accent Floral tape, pin Left lapel Weddings, formals
Hair Flowers Small, lightweight Bobby pins, combs Hair/behind ear Weddings, tropical events
Ankle Corsage Miniature design Ankle strap Ankle Beach weddings

Preservation Methods

Method Duration Best For Cost Difficulty
Pressing Permanent Flat display, crafts Low Easy
Air Drying 6-12 months Rustic arrangements Low Easy
Freeze Drying Years Exact colour/shape retention High Professional
Resin Embedding Permanent Jewelry, paperweights Medium Intermediate
Wax Dipping 6-12 months Maintaining shape Low-Medium Intermediate
Glycerin Treatment 1-2 years Flexible, natural look Medium Intermediate

Common Floral Problems

Problem Cause Prevention Solution
Wilting Quickly Air bubbles, dehydration Proper conditioning Re-cut stems underwater
Flowers Not Opening Cold, immaturity Warm water, time Gentle petal massage
Drooping Heads Weak stems, gravity Support with wire Insert floral wire through stem
Short Vase Life Poor water quality Clean vase, flower food Change water, re-cut stems
Uneven Arrangement Poor planning Design sketch first Remove and reposition
Allergic Reactions Pollen, fragrances Remove pollen, ventilate Use silk alternatives

Business Considerations

Service Type Skill Level Startup Cost Time Investment Income Potential
Wedding Florals Advanced $2,000-5,000 Full-time $30,000-100,000+
Event Arrangements Intermediate+ $1,000-3,000 Part-time possible $15,000-50,000
Funeral Flowers Intermediate $500-2,000 Flexible hours $10,000-30,000
Teaching Classes Intermediate $200-500 Evenings/weekends $5,000-20,000
Farmers Market Beginner+ $300-1,000 Seasonal $2,000-15,000
Online Sales All levels $100-500 Flexible $1,000-10,000+

Storage & Transport

Item Type Storage Method Temperature Humidity Transport Tips
Fresh Flowers Refrigeration 32-35°F 80-90% Water tubes, cool transport
Dried Flowers Airtight containers Room temperature Low (30-40%) Cushion from movement
Silk Flowers Dust-free boxes Room temperature Normal Shape retention focus
Arrangements Stable containers Cool environment Moderate Secure water source
Supplies Organized storage Climate controlled Normal Easy access system

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