"California Grown" Offers Tips for Keeping Mother's Day Flowers at Their Blooming Best

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mother's Day is right around the corner and the time is right to celebrate mom by delighting her with fresh cut flowers from California. "California Grown" offers the following tips for keeping her flowers beautiful long after her special day:

• Seek out the freshest flowers available. California-grown flowers were probably in the field just 24-48 hours prior to purchase. Locally sourced flowers help to ensure maximum freshness and longer enjoyment, while supporting U.S. flower farmers.
• Remove leaves. Discard leaves that will be submerged in water. This will decrease bacteria buildup and lead to a longer-lasting bouquet.
• Fill vase with cold water. Cold water slows down blossoming. You can even add ice cubes to your vase water for extra coolness.
• Cut your fresh flower stems to desired length. It's best to cut them at a 45-degree angle to allow more water to be soaked up.
• Use flower food and change vase water often. Flower food is a must in keeping your flowers fresh, as is changing the vase water every 2-4 days.
• Design your arrangement. Large and dark flowers should be close to the base of the design, and small and light-colored flowers look best on the outer edge.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120508/CG03295)

"California-grown flowers are America's flowers," said Kasey Cronquist, Board Chairman of the Buy California Marketing Agreement. "When you chose gorgeous cut flowers for mom this Mother's Day, insist on the freshest, finest flowers available – those grown by California's flower farmers."

For Mother's Day flowers that are as special and unique as mom herself, try using her personality to help pick the perfect petal. Here are some inspirations, if mom is…

• A girly-girl. She relishes her manicures and pedicures and still likes to play dress up, but with verve and flair that goes well beyond kids' stuff. For this stylish mama, try a gathering of delicate pink roses adorned with a glossy ribbon in a complementary shade.  Ooh-la-la!  
• An adventure seeker. Just try to keep up with her! She hikes, bikes, explores and dreams of her next adventure with bags packed and passport at-the-ready. For this on-the-go gal, try a pop of vibrant Gerbera Daisies from California that celebrate her zest for living life to the fullest.
• Oh-so-sublime. She inspires greatness and always knows just what to do and say, yet somehow knows when best not to say it. For this graceful lady, try a classic bouquet of creamy white lilies that reflect her sophistication and enduring wisdom.
• An eternal optimist. Always with a smile and a kind word to say, she looks on the bright side each day. This joyous mom will welcome bright, candy-colored tulips to go along with her fresh outlook on life and all it holds.  
• A renaissance woman. There is nothing she can't do or doesn't want to do! Her interests are deep, her talents are many, and her energy never ending. A mixed bouquet of California-grown springtime favorites, such as hydrangeas and sweet peas, will appeal to mom's versatility and ready-for-anything attitude.

To learn more about California cut flowers, visit the California Grown website at californiagrown.org/farmers/ and view a video of cut flower farmer, Janet Louie of Green Valley Floral in Salinas. The video is among a series of fresh-from-the-farm videos that highlight the people and stories behind some of California's favorite agricultural products.

About the Buy California Marketing Agreement and the "California Grown" Program
The Buy California Marketing Agreement (BCMA) is a joint effort of agricultural industry groups representing the products of California's farms and ranches. Working as an advisory board to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, BCMA brings together industry and government resources to increase the awareness, consumption and value of California agricultural products, helping the state's consumers enjoy the best of the California lifestyle.

For more information, visit www.californiagrown.org.  

SOURCE California Grown