When is the best time to harvest flowers for arrangements?

Harvesting flowers in the morning when they are fully hydrated is considered the best practice for several reasons. During the night, flowers typically absorb water, reaching maximum hydration levels by morning. This hydration ensures that the flowers are in optimal condition, making them less prone to wilting or damaging when arranged. Collecting them at this time also helps retain their freshness and vibrancy, as the flowers are fully open and their petals are firm.

Additionally, harvesting in the morning allows florists to take advantage of cooler temperatures, which can further extend the flowers' longevity after cutting. This care in timing is crucial for creating beautiful, long-lasting arrangements.

Harvesting in the afternoon when it's warm or during cloudy days may result in less hydrated flowers or affect their overall quality, while late evening harvesting might mean that the flowers are less vigorous due to having just come out of the heat of the day.