Cut the stems at a 45 degree angle with a sharp knife

Strip the lower foliage from the stems (sunflower foliage is usually scruffy)

Fill sterilised buckets with lukewarm water

DO NOT USE FLOWER FOOD - Sunflowers do not like it!

Place the sunflowers in the buckets of fresh, clean water

Leave over night to condition before using

Whilst conditioning, make sure you support the heads (as they are top heavy!)

If the heads droop slightly, you might find that there is an air-lock in the stem. To remove this, cut the stem at a 45 degree angle (and slit up the stem), supporting the heads, place into approx. 2 inches of boiling hot water till the heads become turgid again.

It is advised that you should not store Sunflowers in galvanised buckets whilst conditioning. Only use plastic or glass containers