Keeping Fresh-Cut Hydrangeas Hydrated in Water Picks for Weddings

Hydrangeas are notoriously thirsty. If you’re picking them the day before a wedding and using water picks (small water tubes) to anchor them in large containers, timing and cutting technique are critical.

Best Practices

• Cut with a sharp knife, not scissors—scissors crush stems and block water uptake.
• Condition immediately: Plunge stems into warm water for 1–2 hours, then transfer to water picks.
• Cut closer to the event: If possible, cut Thursday night, condition overnight, and place in picks 12–15 hours before the wedding. This reduces the time they spend in limited water reserves.

Water picks hold only a small amount of water; hydrangeas may drink it all within 24–36 hours. For longer events, consider floral foam or a water source with larger capacity.