Making Your Fresh Flowers Last Longer

They can brighten any special moment and are perfect for marking special occasions. When you receive a unique bouquet or arrangement you will want it to last as long as possible. It’s sad to see a stunning flower arrangement begin to wilt within the first day when it can last for week or sometimes more.

Following tips and tricks for maintaining fresh flowers can extend the life of your beautiful blooms. The flowers you receive have been carefully tended by the florist. They went from field to wholesale storage and then into the florist’s temperature controlled environment. The careful treatment the flowers are given means you are buying fresh flowers with plenty of life left in them if properly cared for.

Once the flowers arrive at their final destination of the customer’s home or office, there are ways to continue the quality care of the flowers to extend their lives even further.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Most cut flowers, except tulips, should be cut as soon as you receive them, and re-cut several days thereafter. On the day you receive a bouquet of fresh cut flowers immediately cut the stems at an angle, 3 cm in height. Several days later re-cut the stems another 2 cm, also at an angle.

You should keep fresh water in your container at all times. You will want to add water daily and change the water once it becomes cloudy or murky. Watering is one of the most important aspects of fresh cut flower care. This is especially true for the first day they are in your care. During this time period they will absorb almost one-half of all the nutrients they will need to survive over their lifespan.

Cut flowers should always be kept away from high heat. It is important to avoid placing your bouquets and arrangements near heaters, TV’s, computers, or other appliances that produce heat.

Also, you should keep your fresh blooms away from fruits. Fruit gives off a gas, ethylene, which will cause flowers and plants to age prematurely. You can add a few drops of household bleach to the water in the container. This will act as a ‘flower food’ or preservative and also keep bacteria and algae from growing in the vase.

Tulips, like other fresh cut flowers, need to be trimmed at a 3 cm angle, and re-cut after 2 days. They do not, however, need to have their water changed. And, say floral experts, preservatives or flower food should never be added to tulip bouquets. Tulips tend to grow toward natural light and don’t be surprised if their head falls or droops as this is natural and adds to the beauty of your arrangement.

Budding Beauties

Some blossoms are normally delivered in the bud stage. This is to ensure safety during travel and will allow you to enjoy the flowers for much longer. It is truly amazing to watch the graceful buds open over time. Lilies and Irises are two of the most popular blooms delivered in the bud stage.

Roses are sometimes delivered with guard petals. These petals are outer petals that can easily be removed without damaging the flower. Once removed the rose will open and flourish. The guard petals protect the rose during transport.

If your roses wilt you can revive them by re-cutting the stem at a 2 cm angle, submerging the stem in warm water for 1 minute, and then placing it in a vase of cool, fresh water. Roses are one of the thirstier cut flowers but can remain vibrant with lots of water.

If you receive lilies you will need to remove the stamen. The stamen is the cluster of pollen in the center of the bloom and can cause staining to your furniture or clothing. As with other fresh cut flowers they must be cut and re-watered periodically.

Follow the Instructions

Floral arrangements are very popular for holidays, birthdays, a house warming, and other special occasions. While you normally would not take out each blossom and cut their stem you can still take measures to extend the life of these flowers. Some of the exotic arrangements will include attached special instructions or florist guidelines for flower care. The instructions are provided for a reason: following them will keep your flowers fresh much longer.

Floral arrangements should be watered every day and dead flowers and leaves removed as soon as possible. Adding a small bit of bleach to the water will prevent bacteria growth.

Whether you have been the grateful recipient of a bouquet of fresh cut flowers or a lovely floral arrangement you can take steps to enjoy the beauty for days to come. All it takes is a little maintenance!

The Melbourne Florist team is dedicated to producing a wide selection of high-quality, beautiful floral arrangements for all occasions, as well as providing quality product and customer service. For free delivery to Melbourne and surrounding areas, including Geelong, visit Florist Melbourne.