Learn how different flowers perform after cutting: While dahlias should be fully open before cutting, strawflowers can be cut as buds and will open in the vase.
Cut flowers in the early morning or cool of the evening. They wilt quickly if cut in midday heat and they won’t last as long.
Always use clean, sharp snips or secateurs.
Cut stems as long as possible – you can shorten them later if needed.
Strip foliage from the bottom half of the stem and have a bucket of water ready to pop them into as you cut, so they never dry out. Keep them in the shade as you work.
Dead-head flowers that you don’t use so the plant can put its energy into growing more flowers instead of making seed.