Mimosa is a favorite flower deeply connected in our minds by association with the holiday of March 8th. For many generations of our country, the appearance of this yellow beauty among sellers of flower shops meant the approach of spring, warmth and celebration. Of course, today the flower market is replete with all kinds of messengers of spring: hyacinths, daffodils, crocuses and tulips. But mimosa does not in the least yield to its competitors in the matter of choosing a spring bouquet. Therefore, fans of "yellow happiness" are interested in the question of how to store cut mimosa.
"Correct" Mimosa
First of all, it must be said that the flower that we commonly call mimosa is not one. The real Mimosa pudica (bashful mimosa) grows in South America and looks completely different from bouquet branches. This is a small evergreen shrub, the height of which at best reaches a meter. The analogy of using the name "mimosa" is justified by similar inflorescences and the shape of the leaves. True, in real mimosa the flowers are larger in size and different in color.
It got its name “bashful” because of leaves that “react” to any changes arising from fluctuations in temperature, lighting, and, most importantly, from touching them. Florists can plant this cute plant only at room conditions or in a greenhouse. And the question of how to save a branch of mimosa, only one answer - in a pot.
Where are you from, beauty?
A plant that brings news of spring to our region and gives us a sunny mood is called silver acacia. Like real mimosa, it belongs to the legume family and has more than 1000 species in its arsenal. Acacia is a thermophilic plant. It first appeared in Europe in the 19th century.
Acacia was brought from the Australian continent to the French Riviera, where it has successfully taken root and is currently flourishing in full bloom from early February to mid-March.
Mimosa, open the "face"
The leaves of silver acacia - now we will call it mimosa - resemble the greenery of ferns. They are the same sharp and delicate. It is the color of the leaves, from silver-green to blue silver, that determined the academic name of this species. Small flower balls, consisting of fluffy stamens, are collected in inflorescences resembling a panicle. The number of golden stamens is so great that they turn flowers into tender and airy peas.
In early spring, the branches of the mimosa shrub are covered with fragrant yellow caps reminiscent of a golden weed. It is clear that nature preserves this beauty as much as it should be. And how you want to bring this fluffy gold to the house and enjoy this miracle longer. Is it possible to save a bouquet of mimosa? We will reveal some secrets of this flower.
Secrets of Mimosa Transportation
The main thing you need to know is that mimosa loves moisture, light and warmth. If all three factors are present, then it blooms quickly and the inflorescences bloom actively. The answer to the question of how to store the cut off mimosa will be the exclusion of any factor, and best of all three.
If you have to transport cut branches, then keep the buds and prevent them from blooming - the main question is how to store. Cut mimosa immediately need to be cooled. "Cooling" will be a preparatory step in front of the transport refrigerator and will not allow condensation to form on the leaves. The cooled mimosa is tightly packed in polyethylene. This will keep the pollination of stamens already appearing. Then the plastic packaging is placed in cardboard boxes. Transportation should take place during the day, as the plant cannot remain longer without moisture.
Mimosa is brought to us from warm latitudes. On the eve of the holiday there may still be frosty days, so the question of how to keep a sprig of mimosa bought as a gift and bring it unscathed is relevant. The answer is simple: thick wrapping paper will save you from the effects of frost and wind.
Acclimatization of mimosa indoors
Once in the room, the flower will definitely feel the change. Again there comes a moment when you need to remember the comfort factors for mimosa: moisture, light and heat. Do not immediately put it in the water, it must be given the opportunity to acclimatize. Let the branches lie in the room right in the package (20-30 minutes) and only then unpack them. Now the next task: how to keep mimosa so that it stands longer?
In order for the bouquet of mimosa to become evenly fluffy, the ends of the stems must be crushed and lowered for 1-2 minutes in boiling water. Such a shake for the plant is only useful. It gives an impetus to the revitalization of the buds. If this is not done, the buds may crumble unblown. We fill the vase with hot water and distribute the branches spaciously, “with air”. In a vase, mimosa does not tolerate crowding. To make the buds fluffy, spray the inflorescences with cold water.
Now you know all the secrets of how to store cut mimosa. Extend the joy of spring mood!