Stream Corner

As an alternative, when it has been necessary to cut blooms during the heat of the day, the hot water treatment may be given. I do not like this method very much but it is certainly extremely effective, although very dangerous if badly done.

Further canes are then tied horizontally between the stem supports to prevent the blooms from turning or knocking against each other. For transporting giant dahlias long distances, if expense is no object, this is ideal. The smaller blooms can be carried in the same manner, although rather more blooms can be inserted provided they are secured in such fashion that they cannot knock against each other.

Once the bubbles, usually big fat bubbles that are quite unmistakable, have ceased the blooms should be transferred straight away into cold water in the usual way. The effect of this treatment is to cause an extremely rapid take up of water that will break any air lock that has formed (the big bubbles are the evidence of this) and also the complete destruction of the immersed section of the stem, although this will continue to take up water whilst left undisturbed.

These cases are easily transported because, despite their large size, they are comparatively light in weight, and the blooms are held so firmly. Nevertheless the majority of exhibitors have neither the transport nor the cash to indulge in such contrivances, however ideal they may be, so that most carry their blooms out of water. This method is much easier on space, as a large number of blooms can be carried in a small car or by public transport.

But the flowers must be very well packed to avoid damage. Large cardboard boxes are probably the cheapest carrying cases. These can be either specially made or adapted from the large florist boxes that are used for chrysanthemums and other flowers. If possible they should be at least 3 ft long, 18 to 20 in. wide and 6 in. deep. Such boxes are suitable without further adaptation for everything except the giant and large decoratives and some of the larger cactus.

But it is absolutely essential, if this is done, that the stems be plunged into warm water immediately after cutting; that a second cut then be made under water, removing the bottom inch of the stem; and that the bloom be left in the warm water for about 30 minutes before transferring to cold water, and even then it is advisable to remove the bottom inch of the stem once again under water whilst doing so. It is also essential that the containers of blooms be stood in the coolest possible place, sheltered from strong light and draughts.