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These long-stemmed dahlias have a good start because they were harvested in the cool of the morning and tucked directly into a bucket with a few inches of water.

Courtesy Meredith Seaver, USU Extension

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Sunflowers are a cheery addition to the home cutting garden.

Courtesy Meredith Seaver, USU Extension

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How can I grow flower stems long enough for cutting?

First, choose flower varieties that are at least 12 inches or taller. The lengthier the stems are, the more versatile they become in your arrangements. For most annual cut flowers, you can encourage longer stems by making your first cuts deep into the plant, just above a leaf node near the bottom. New shoots and stems will grow from below the cut, often resulting in more stems for cutting. Keep in mind that every variety is different, and a little research will help you know where to make the first cut.

You will also want to learn if you should pinch off new growth early in the season. Removing the top growth above the second or third set of leaves can help plants like zinnias and dahlias become bushier, which results in more cuttable stems. No matter the variety, remember to harvest often to keep your plant blooming.

What are some of the best varieties of sunflowers for the cutting garden?

First, look for types that are listed as ornamental. Sunflowers bred for seed production don’t make good cut flowers, but birds surely love them!

There are two main categories of sunflowers for cutting. Single cut varieties, such as ProCut Orange and Procut Plum, produce a single flower per seed. Take care not to “pinch” this type or you will not get any flowers! You can direct sow these sunflowers just a few inches apart. Succession sow every week from early May to early July for a continued supply.

The other type of cutting sunflower is the branching type, such as Strawberry Blonde and Autumn Beauty. Branching sunflowers benefit from pinching while they are young to encourage longer stems and more branching. To pinch, remove the tip of the plant above a leaf node when the plant is around 10 inches tall.

For a longer vase life, harvest sunflowers when the colored petals are still curled into the center of the bud and are starting to lift off the face.

How can I get my flowers to last longer in a vase?

To extend the vase life of cut flowers, start with harvesting early in the day or later in the evening and put the cut stems directly into a bucket of water. Harvesting in cooler temperatures reduces stress on the blooms and helps ensure a longer vase life. Keep the water in the vase clean and change often. Adding commercially available flower food can help.

Remember that cut flowers are meant to be enjoyed as you cut them. Don’t stress when it is time to throw them in the compost heap. The beauty these flowers bring helps us to live in the moment and enjoy each season as it comes.

My zinnias get powdery mildew in late summer and early fall. What can I do about that?

Powdery mildew looks just like its name suggests. It is a common disease that causes a mottled white powdery substance on stems, leaves and buds of plants. Zinnias, delphinium, dahlias and roses are among the hosts plants affected. During late summer and early fall, when days are warm and nights are cool, this unsightly disease seems to spread overnight through splashing rain and wind. Crowded, shady spaces harbor it more than airy, sunny spots in the garden. Try planting susceptible plants where they are in full sun and trim out any heavy vegetation. You can try using sulfur or myclobutanil sprays when you first see powdery spots, and make sure you follow the label for any necessary follow-up treatments.