Cut-Flower Tray | Vibrant

Cut flowers love the sun! Make sure to plant your flowers in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. When planting your transplants, ensure they have enough room to spread out and grow. This prevents overcrowding, which can lead to weak plants that compete for nutrients and sunlight. As a general rule, space your transplants 10 to 12 inches apart. 

Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, will improve soil structure and help retain moisture. Mix the compost into the top few inches of soil to create a rich, nutrient-rich soil for your plants.

If you're limited on space, container gardening is a great way to grow cut flowers. Choose containers that are deep enough to allow for healthy root growth. Ensure your containers have good drainage to prevent water logging. Your flowers may require a little extra care, such as more frequent watering and feeding, but with proper attention, you’ll enjoy beautiful blooms right on your patio or balcony.

While it’s important to keep your plants hydrated, frequent shallow watering can lead to weak roots and an increased risk of disease. Instead, opt for a single, deep watering session once a week. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, making your plants stronger and more drought-resistant. Make sure to water at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering, which can leave leaves wet and promote fungal growth.

Deadheading (removing spent flowers) and consistent picking are two of the best ways to encourage continuous blooming. By cutting flowers regularly, you’re stimulating the plant to produce more blooms, which results in an ongoing supply of fresh-cut flowers for your vases. Be sure to remove faded or dead blooms to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy.

Slugs and other pests can be a nuisance in the cut flower gardens, so regular monitoring is recommended. Look for signs of damage, such as chewed leaves or holes in the blooms. If you spot any pests, act quickly to remove them. You can hand-pick slugs, use organic pest control, or create natural barriers like diatomaceous earth around your plants.

Some varieties, especially those with large or heavy blooms like cosmos, dahlias or snapdragons, may require a little extra support to keep them upright. Providing support early in the growing process is key to preventing stems from bending or breaking. A simple stake or tomato cage can do the trick. Note that consistent picking and deadheading will result in more compact plants, reducing the need for support.

To keep your flowers healthy and growing, we recommend top-dressing with compost. Spread a thin layer of compost around the base of each plant to provide a slow, steady release of nutrients. Additionally, adding a layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, ensuring your plants stay healthy during hot or dry periods.