All About Poppies


About Poppies

  • Poppies bring a sculptural elegance that sets them apart in any floral design.
  • Poppies primarily signify remembrance, sacrifice, and peace.
  • Their delicate nature calls for mindful handling to ensure they perform beautifully from arrival to arrangement.  

Processing & Storage

  • Start with clean, sanitized buckets use FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner. 
  • If you receive dry-packed, we recommend conditioning of stem ends to prevent blockage and promote solution uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip. Place flowers in a flower food solution such as FloraLife® Express 300 per manufacturer’s directions. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
  • Store in a cooler at 34–38°F (1–3°C) with 75–85% relative humidity.
  • Remember to rotate stock using the FIFO (first in, first out) method. 

Arrangement Preparation

  • Begin hydrating about 2 days before you´ll need them for designs or events.
  • Recut each stem at a diagonal with clean, sharp clippers. Place immediately into fresh, clean water or use a clean container, (use FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner), and fill with solution or OASIS® Foam that has fully soaked in a solution such as FloraLife® Express 300 mixed per manufacturer’s directions.
  • As flowers hydrate, you will notice the protective casings around the petals loosen. Gently peel the casting from the base upwards.
  • Place flowers in vase or insert stems into foam prepared with FloraLife® Flower Food solution. 

Finish

Customer Care/Tips & Tricks

  • Fresh water is key. Refill with cool water each day and keep the vase cle
  • Display poppies away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. Cooler temperatures help slow their bloom cycle.
  • Expect a short but beautiful life, fresh-cut poppies are ephemeral by nature, typically lasting 1–3 days once fully open.
  • Support bending stems if needed. As blooms open, stems may soften. A taller vase or gentle floral support can help keep them upright.
  • Your best insurance policy? Send customers home with a FloraLife® Express Flower Food packet. Advise customers to repeat care and handing steps on the packet every 3 days or as needed for maximum enjoyment.