Picking Hibiscus

[Denise]

My best friend is getting married on Sunday 10/7. We plan on decorating her wedding cake with whatever hibiscus flowers we have that day! I have some questions.

Do the flowers change at all after being picked? Like, if they are reflexed, do they straighten out at all after picking?

I understand they do not need water. What would be the best way to store and preserve them until they are needed?

When should we pick them? Friday? Saturday? Sunday? The wedding is Sunday at 3 PM.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Denise

[Joshua]

Im no expert on how to preserve the flower but i often pick mines and decorate my living room. They last about 7 hrs then start to wilt. I would pick them a few hrs prior

[Ernest]

I agree with Joshua. My wife likes to pick them  for indoor display but most seem to close up within several hours. So I would wait as long as possible before the ceremony.

[farmer d]

Hi Denise: My experience for the best results is to pick them early when they are first opening before the sunlight is too strong and put them in a cool, indoors location.  I put mine in water though I don't know if that really helps.  Keep them there right until you leave.  I find they look pretty fresh at that point.

Farmer D

[davidwood]

Denise I think all yours are in pots so if time is important and you can do it put whatever cv's you are going to use in the shade [and cooler if you can] just prior to the bud opening, then you have no need to cut the blooms till you are ready, they will last a lot longer that way.

[Charlie]

When we pick blooms to display at the Open House I go over to the greenhouse at about 8-9 AM and select those that are just starting to open rather than the ones that were open the day before. The just opening ones open over the next couple of hours or we help them along with gentle finger pressure to get them open. I agree with all the comments about keeping them in shade and cool conditions until the event.

Good luck and enjoy!

Charlie

[stplong]

Hi,

We have found out if you put them in the refrigerator for awhile they actually last longer. Of course the has been our experience.


Patrick