I want to write a couple of posts on how to care for your cut flowers. Fresh cut flowers are very different from plants. I probably won't fit it all into this blog post, but I'll add more in another post.
-Sometimes, flowers are delivered still in bud form so you can enjoy them longer. We've actually received complaints in the past from customers who said their lilies were still "closed" for example. However, we would much rather they open for you than for us. We already know very well what they look like when open! Additionally, if we just received the flowers from our vendor and they are very fresh, they might seem droopy. This does not mean they are dead. Flowers come dry packed to the florist. When we receive them, we need to hydrate them for a bit. Once they are fully hydrated, they "harden". However, if we use them for an order before they are completely hydrated, they will feel and look a bit more "soft". If they aren’t looking their best on arrival, they’re simply thirsty. Give them a drink, and they’ll perk up within 24 hours. It can take a few days for your flowers to open up. And that's a good thing.
-If using your own vase, clean your vase thoroughly. Any lingering bacteria will make your flowers wilt faster. Pick a vase that's half the height of the flowers. If the bouquet is bottom-heavy, use a narrower vase, if the top is overpowering, use a wider one. Leave the vase to dry naturally, as using a towel can reintroduce bacteria which may cause your flowers to deteriorate quicker.
-The stems seal off after a while without water, so make sure to give them a cut before putting them in a vase. Otherwise, they won't drink. If you simply take them and pop them into a vase, within a couple days you'll be wondering why they died.
-Fill the vase about 2/3 with water. Use lukewarm water as flowers can drink this more quickly. Avoid using hot or cold water as this can shock delicate flowers. If needed, leave the filled vase to sit to allow the water to reach room temperature and let any air bubbles escape. Add flower food, which contains sugar to feed the flowers and bleach which slows the growth of algae and bacteria. Algae clogs up the stems and makes it harder for the flowers to drink. Top up the water the day after receiving your flowers, rather than changing it completely – this way, they benefit from the food for longer.
-Remove any foliage that sits below the waterline to avoid build-up of debris. In our shop, we try to remove all lower foliage prior to delivery, however, sometimes some foliage can drop into the water later on and over time. The foliage rots in the water and you don't want your flowers drinking rotten water.
-Change the water regularly after the second day. Cut about 2-3cm from the bottom of the stems at a 45-degree angle to allow for better water uptake. Always use a knife and not scissors as the scissor action crushes the stems.
-Keep your flowers out of direct sunlight to prolong their life. Unlike plants, cut flowers last longer in cool conditions. To prevent flowers from drying out and wilting, keep them away from drafts and heat sources. Avoid placing them where they will be exposed to direct sunlight or on top of radiators. If you place them near a window, the flowers can also quickly get damaged. However, don't mistake cool with freezing. The flowers will freeze and die in temperatures below freezing. Do not place them close to a door or window if you live in an especially cold area.
-Remove any wilted flowers. Besides not looking as attractive, they can spread mold onto the others. Remove dried leaves or blooms that are beyond reviving, so more energy goes to healthy blooms.
-Keep your flowers away from the fruit bowl, especially if it contains apples or bananas. Apples and other fruit give off ethylene gas which causes flowers to deteriorate.
-Some flowers naturally last longer than others. Roses, lilies, freesia, daisies, and sunflowers tend to stay fresh longer than hyacinths, lilacs, daffodils, ranunculus, and tulips. These are notorious for wilting after only a few days.
-If your flowers came in a basket or other container with foam, add fresh water every day. The foams dry out fairly quickly.
Place your order today with The Bloomin' Dragonfly Florist, proudly delivering smiles to Jacksonville, St Augustine, Saint Johns, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Elkton, Hastings, Palatka, Palm Coast and more!
For more flower-specific tips, follow this link.
