Congratulations! Have you recently received a bouquet from us? Or perchance the thought occurred "Are there actions I can take to extend the life on flowers I get?"Those questions are what happened to me, friends. How is it I don't automatically have the knowledge on how to make bouquets last longer? Shouldn't it be in my genetic coding? Maybe, but it isn't. Therefore today we're going to list the ways we can make our flowers, specifically roses, last longer after receiving them.
1. Clean Container
Let's say you receive some loose flowers, sunshine bouquet, etc and you're supplying the vase. If you are like me; there may be a variety of containers collecting a bit of dust under the sink. Get the vase of your choice and clean it with hot, soapy water and then rinse it out. This will remove bacteria and help keep the water clear. *Also a step which should be repeated when switching out the water every day or so.*
Did you receive a flowers already arranged in a container? Fantastic! They are already on their way to a delightful stay at your home. Move onto the next step!
2: Cut Stems
Whether they be loosely wrapped or already vased; the best way to keep blooms fresh is to cut the stems. If flowers are being placed in a container for the first time, cut off about 1/2"-3/4" of the stem at a 45° angle. Look at that, using geometry in practical life. Cutting at an angle allows the flower maximum chance to take up water. Using a sharp knife or scissor blades will help as well. The cut should be crisp and clean, leaving the tissue undamaged.
For those of you who received a bouquet in a vase to begin with; cut the stems every few days.
3: Water and Preservatives
It is very important to keep the water clean and clear! So completely switch out the water in your container every 2-3 days. If you're concerned about losing the design; tie twine around the stems to keep the shape the bouquet when removing it from the vase. Is the arrangement to big easily remove? Carefully tip the container and drain all the water out.
We send our artfully designed bouquets and loose wrapped flowers homewith FloralLife packets. Add flower food when switching out the water according to the directions. Don't have any flower preservatives on hand? Use a mixture of sprite and water to keep your bouquet happy!
*Special Note: zinnias, sunflowers, and glads aren't big fans of flower food.*
Fill the container halfway with sprite, and the rest with tap water. Make sure use to regular Sprite or 7-Up as the flowers need sugar. They also need an acidifier and citric acid. The Sprite and water mixture will provide you with citric acid and sugar but lacks an acidifier, which you need to help control the bacteria in the container. The only solution to the quicker bacteria build-up is to switch out the water every other day. Don't forget to cut the stems at an angle before returning to their container!
3: Display in Cool Space
"Oh, this bouquet is so gorgeous; so beautiful; I must put it by the window for all the world to see!"
Don't do it! To maximize the life of your bouquet; keep it out of direct sunlight and heat. Also steer clear of setting your bouquet next to ripening veggies and fruits like apples and bananas. They release an odorless invisible gas called ethylene which induces flowers to drop their petals and become a fruit.
This rule is more difficult for me because I really enjoy my bouquets the most in the kitchen whilst sipping coffee or preparing meals.
4: Check Flowers Daily
"How exactly are these care instructions different than any other flower arrangement?"
the water in the container.
5: Enjoy
Let's see, cut stems at an angle; change water frequently; flower food; remove discolored petals and fall foliage; clean vase and containers; and daily check on your bouquet!
Yep, that about sums it up! Sounds like pretty simple steps to keeping a bouquet looking fresh and beautiful like the day it was given to you. What is left to do but to appreciate these gorgeous blooms? Enjoy!
June is National Rose Month; click here to see our rose collection!
What are our favorite bouquets for this month? Click here to find out!
