Flowers are the ultimate mood boosters, but the struggle is real when keeping them fresh. Have you ever faced the dilemma of whether to display them proudly or stash them away for a later bloom? We feel you. So, how do you keep flowers fresh?
Although the typical lifespan of cut flowers lasts around one week, fear not; you can follow some simple steps to extend their longevity, ensuring they stay on fleek and look gorgeous for longer. Explore a few of our go-to tips below.
Tip 1: Everything Starts with a Clean Vase
The culprits behind the speedy wilting of flowers? Bacteria and fungi take the lead. That’s why thwarting these sneaky microbes is key to keeping your flowers in their prime.
Regardless of whether it’s a trusty old vase or a brand-new addition, a thorough cleaning session is a must before your flowers take center stage. Consider scrubbing your vessel with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, ensuring to rinse thoroughly afterward.
Tip 2: Snip Those Stems
Give your stems a stylish trim. Angle your cuts at 45 degrees, snipping away any green or woody bits. This nifty move stops stems from playing it flat at the vase’s bottom, creating a spacious surface area that guarantees your blooms slurp up water like a hydration pro.
You can use the clippers or shears for woody stems, and for other flowers, wield sharp scissors or knives. If you’re feeling fancy, make those cuts underwater for an extra dose of floral TLC.
Tip 3: Hydration Hub for Happy Blooms
A common bloom blunder is sticking with the same water in the vase. Sure, adding water is a must, but changing it? Equally crucial. To keep your flowers on the fresh express, change the water and give the vase a quick cleanse every other day.
Bouquets are stunning, but their stems can be a bit sneaky, releasing bacteria that cozy up along the vase glass. This bacterial party is the culprit behind flowers drooping and wilting sooner than you’d like. But regular water changes help against the wilt.
Tip 4: Quenching Your Blooms Just Right
Ever wondered how much water is the Goldilocks amount for your flowers? It’s the age-old question: enough to drink but not enough to drown.
Aim for the right amount of water by filling your vase halfway to three-quarters full. It’s like giving your blooms a refreshing sip without overwhelming them. When you place your bouquet into the vase, do a quick check. Ensure none of those lovely leaves take an unplanned dip in the water. Also, remove any submerged leaves.
Tip 5: Nourish Your Blooms
Your cut flowers crave a little sweetness and a touch of acidity to keep them thriving. It’s a special treat – sugar for nourishment and maybe a dash of aspirin for that extra hydration boost.
See the tiny packet that comes with your bouquet? It contains all the nutrients your stems dream of. Sprinkle the provided cut-flower food packet into your vase as soon as your bouquet walks through the door.
Tip 6: Pamper the Petals
Sure, your fresh blooms are sipping up water through their stems, but their petals also need some pampering. You can give them a refreshing mist. Keep a spray bottle filled with fresh water and mist the petals a few times daily.
A gentle misting can keep the petals feeling moist and fabulous and preserve their fresh-flower glow.
Tip 7: Give Your Blooms a Cool Retreat
Just like your houseplants have their preferred temperature and light conditions, your cut flowers also have their comfort zone. If you can showcase or store your arrangement in a spot away from direct light or heat, you’re in for a floral longevity treat. The cooler the room, the happier your blooms will be.
How to Store Your Blooms Overnight
Many fresh-cut flowers thrive in a cool climate, offering an extended lifespan. Yes, you can actually tuck them into the refrigerator overnight for an extra boost in water absorption and freshness.
Ensure your refrigerator is set to a cool 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below (just above freezing). Dedicate a whole shelf to accommodate the flowers, nestling them in a vase that’s three-quarters full of pristine water.
But before you pop your blooms in, remove all your fruits from the refrigerator. Fruits release a plant hormone called ethylene gas, which speeds up their blooming process, leading to premature wilting and a faster demise.
How to Store Flowers for Weddings and Events
Got a special event, but your flowers need a brief timeout? Planning to showcase your blooms in a day or two? Hang onto those delivery boxes. You can use them for storing or transporting the flowers.
Remember, most cut flowers love a cool climate. If you have the option, a brief stay in the refrigerator (as we chatted about earlier) can do wonders. It lets the flowers sip up more water and stay fresh.
For a safe journey, ensure your blooms are secure and snug. Unpack them, keep them hydrated, and maintain that cool vibe. The trick? Keep them upright during the trip using the trusty delivery box. Cut a square to fit the vase snugly.
If you’re heading to a nearby friend or neighbour, skip the vase. Instead, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel to combat wilting and pop them into water when they reach the destination.
How Long Does Flowers Last in the Fridge?
The duration of the flowers’ freshness depends on their variety and when they took their cut. But you can expect them to stay gorgeous and fresh for 5-14 days when you give them a cozy spot in the fridge overnight.
With these quick tips, your flowers are not just event-ready but also ready to steal the show. So, shower your space with the beauty of fresh flowers and let their charm linger a little longer.
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