Zinnias have pretty good vase life, particularly if you add something to the water. Be sure to strip off the leaves that will be in the water, because submerged leaves will drown and rot very quickly.

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Avoid the short zinnia varieties, because they obviously have short stems. Oklahoma and Benary's Giants are bred to be cut flowers. Other taller zinnias work fine, like the cactus flowered, dahlia flowered, California giants, etc. Actually, the Whirligigs could probably add some interest to your vases, although they aren't quite as tall as some. But they aren't short. Some of the striped and spotted varieties like the Peppermint Sticks could be good.

That water situation could be critical if you hit a long dry spell. Water is heavy and you can't carry enough in buckets to make any difference. Zinnias like heat, but they don't like drought. They aren't desert plants.

ZM

Any flower that has a fairly long stem is good for a cut flower. You can buy a package of flower garden seeds that has a mixture of flowers. Annual baby's breath is one good one for fillers in bouquets. It can be direct sown into the bed with Zinnias, Batchelor buttons and forget me nots. the last 2 and the baby's breath should be sown in early spring while it is still cool. Cosmos is another nice cut flower but it would have to be planted as a plant.

If you have no water supply it would be good to mulch so what moisture it gets doesn't evaporate so fast. No plant can last through a prolonged drought though so you may have to figure out a way to give them a drink if there is no rain for a whikle

My wife likes a single carnation in a vase on her desk. We get them from the supermarket. The small ones, two inches in diameter, will sometimes last in the vase for two weeks or longer.

Hi Albert,

"My wife likes a single carnation in a vase on her desk."

{{gwi:4934}}I don't know if you can grow zinnias in Zone 2 or 3, but I have seen several zinnias in my home-bred zinnia patch that had the "look" of a carnation. The one in this picture is blooming indoors in my study right now, on a plant stand facing a pair of South windows, here beside my computer.

In general, I wouldn't recommend growing zinnias indoors, because they are not house plants, and there are several "tricks" you have to learn to grow them inside. But my indoor zinnias help me get the jump on Spring.

Some Carnation varieties are tolerant of cool weather, and you might be able to grow your own at your location.

ZM

Dahlias, Dahlias, Dahlias.

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One tip for dahlias is to sear the end of the stem right after cutting. It prevents an air bubble which stops the moisture moving up the stem. So take scissors...and a lighter.

My contribution to cut flowers...Zulu Prince Daisy

Here is a link that might be useful: zulu prince daisy

Thank you for all of the tips and beautiful photos. I have incorporated many of the suggestions into my plans.

I'm curious about a good source for dahlia seeds. It seems that most of the places I might order from carry only one variety and I'd rather not be paying to ship single seed packets from multiple places.

Park's Seeds offers several Dahlia choices, both the tubers and the seeds. There are probably dahlia specialist sources that offer a wider variety. The subject of growing dahlias from seed was also discussed in the Are Dahlia as easy to grow/sustain as Zinnia plants message thread.

ZM
(not associated with any product or vendor mentioned or linked)

I used the Seeds of Change link because they had the best picture of the flower. Other vendors sell it as well.

In British Columbia we have an amazing dahlia grower but I don't know if they can ship into the US.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ferncliff Dahlias

It occurs to me you might want to ask this question on the Cutting Garden forum too. There are lots of commercial growers of cut flowers on there who might be able to help.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cutting Garden

mandolls - where did you get that scrumptious vase in the first photograph?!

Cosmos don't need to be planted as a plant. I grow them from seed every year, and I get volunteers that are planted by the birds even if I don't plant them. Now is a perfect time to get them started via wintersowing, or direct seeding. I have tons of seed saved from past plants, if you want to try them. You can also purchase seed from many sources online. Have fun!

Martha

Drbeanie - thats an older Doulton Lambeth vase. I got it on E-bay.

Martha,
Thank you for the kind offer. I have placed a recent order for flower seeds from Fedco based on the suggestions here but have yet to receive them. I have WSed all of the other seed that I have (veggies, herbs, etc) and would love to be able to add some of your cosmos if you have extras. I'd be happy to reciprocate and send you some of my saved/extra seed. I have scads of heirloom tomatoes as well as other seed that I'd be happy to share.