Why should cut flowers be picked before the heat of the day?

In the context of floral decoration, flowers should be picked before the heat of the day to ensure they remain properly hydrated and fresh.

Plants rely on turgor—the internal water pressure within their cells—to remain erect. During the day, plants lose water through their leaves via a process called transpiration. When temperatures are high, plants often lose water faster than their roots can absorb it, leading to dehydration and wilting. By harvesting flowers during cooler periods, you ensure the plant is at its peak hydration level, which helps the cut stems maintain their structure and longevity once placed in a vase.12