The question of dipping the end of hydrangea into Powdered Alum comes up at our programs here at Koehler & Dramm,florists ask about it all of the time. Does it really work? Will it help my hydrangea last longer?
It was time to experiment for my own, after all we have the most beautiful and fresh flowers, I bought the Powdered Alum everything was ready.
There were two vases of hydrator, two vases without hydrator, two vases with flower food, two vases without flower food, two vases with foam with flower food, two vases with foam without flower food. All vases were clearly marked; product was measured to the instructions. The experiment was done the same way two times. One stem of hydrangeas was cut, and then dipped in Powdered Alum; one was cut, and then put in the vase, with and without foam.
The conclusive evidence is that it is imperative to use a hydrator and flower food when processing hydrangeas. There was no strong evidence that the Powdered Alum was a defining factor in the lasting quality of the blossoms. The information that was reinforced to me is that one must use a hydrator and flower food, following the instructions on the label. Use fresh clean water, sharp clean tools, clean design and processing areas. Over and over this evidence came out strong and clear.
Water is different everywhere, even in your home, because of pipes and how far it travels, if it is well or city, with or without fluoride. The best advice that I can give you is to have your water tested. Contact one of the major flower food companies; find the contact information on the container. Ask them how to test your water so you are using the correct flower food, and then follow their instructions.
With the idea of water being different, some water may react more positively to Powdered Alum helping the flowers cognitively, and then for goodness sake use it.
Please contact me with questions. I will do my best to find answers. I don’t have all of them, but I know really smart people that will help both of us.
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