Tips for longer lasting fresh flowers
We may be biased, but there’s no better “pick me up” than a bouquet of flowers in our home. Science agrees. Studies have shown that flowers increase happiness and help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Bonus - they also boost productivity and creativity! Hmmm maybe we need a bouquet at home AND at work??
The next time you grab some stems for yourself or receive a beautiful flower delivery from Petals + Pine Floral Studio, we want you to enjoy them as long as possible! Here are a few easy steps that will keep your flowers looking - and lasting - their best.
Keep the water clean
Bacteria has the biggest negative effect on cut flower life. Bacteria that is present in the vase water can enter the floral stem through any cut or “wound” in the stem, so keeping that water clean and clear is important. We’d suggest changing the water every 2 days, and topping it off between if your bouquet is extra thirsty.
>> If you’ve received a packet of flower food with your design, pre-mix it according to the directions and keep it handy. Keep reading for more details!
If you have a vased design, simply grip the stems in your hand right at the mouth of the vase and gently pull the entire bouquet out. Remove any leaves that are below the water line, as they encourage more bacteria growth. Dump the water, rinse the vase, fill the vase with clean room temperature water (or the food-mixed water) and slide your bouquet back in. This may be a two person job if you’ve got a large design - and it’s worth the effort!
We’d also suggest giving your stems a fresh cut every few days. While we have to cut the stem to design your bouquet, it’s also essentially a “wound” on the stem that will scab over. Cutting the bottom 1” off the stems every few days re-opens the drinking system and removes any bacteria that may have clogged in the entrance to that “wound”. A sharp pair of kitchen shears or a pruner makes this a quick task. Plus a shorter stem makes a shorter “straw” for the flower to drink up water!
If your bouquet is designed in floral foam, replenish the water as needed. Slide your finger along the edge of the container to feel the water level, then top it off. You may want to gently pour old water out every 2-3 days and replenish with new.
2. Use Professional Floral Food
While a flower is attached to the plant, it receives nourishment that allows it to grow and develop. When cut from the plant, it loses its source of nourishment and water. Floral Food has been developed to simulate the flower’s original environment, and allow the flower to fully open so you can enjoy every single petal!
I’m sure you’ve heard about some home recipes for pennies or advil or even 7-Up… but stick to the real stuff :) The florist food formula is scientifically developed, and is a carefully balanced mixtures generally containing:
● Sucrose: Sucrose (sugar) serves as a source of energy (food) for the flower. Too much sucrose (like 7-UP) can be a bad thing as it can “force” the life cycle of the flower to proceed faster than normal. This will lead to blooms opening too fast and not lasting as long.
● Acidifier: Most water supplies are alkaline and can reduce the life of cut flowers. At a cellular level, flowers are slightly acidic. So an acidifier will help bring the water's pH closer to the acid pH of the cell sap. Slightly acidic water is taken up more readily through the stems than water that is neutral or alkaline. The acidifier also aids in stabilizing the pigment and the color of the flowers. Too much or not enough (exactly how many pennies should you put in??) will have a negative effect.
● Bacteria Inhibitor: Designed to slow the growth of bacteria in the water. While flowers require sucrose, so does bacteria. The stem of a flower is like its straw and can become blocked with bacteria. This impacts the flowers’ ability to hydrate.
● Agents to draw out certain salts, dirt, and debris. We don’t want junk in the trunk (stem ) right? This blend of elements pulls out debris, which will settle rather than being drawn up the flower stem. Have you noticed a bit of “dirt” on the bottom of your vase? That’s the flower food doing work!
Follow the directions on the package and always use the recommended amount. Don’t take shortcuts or think “more is better”... either way can be just as harmful. The ingredients are carefully balanced for the amount of water on the packet instructions.
3. Happy temperature = Happy flowers
Keep those blooms comfortable! Room temperature is just fine. Avoid freezing temperatures or cold drafts, and be sure not to place your bouquet by a heat vent or overly warm window. Just like any other “produce,” flowers tolerate a little chill better than being hot. A cooler temperature will help improve vase life, but don’t stress about putting your flowers in the fridge every night :) In fact, certain fruits can emit a gas called ethylene that will age your flowers faster. Keep them in a temperature neutral place that you can easily enjoy.
4. Don’t get handsy
We know it’s so tempting to touch those perfect blooms! But the natural oils from your hands can transfer to those delicate petals and cause premature browning. Flowers with delicate petals like roses, ranunculus and peonies are especially sensitive. So touch if you’d like, but be aware that the more you handle your flowers, the faster they’ll age.
A note about petals - most types of roses come into our shop with “guard petals” on them. These are shorter, less attractive petals that the rose grows as an outside layer to protect itself. Our growers leave them on for shipping them to us, and you may find them still on your rose from time to time! Removing these petals can encourage the rose to open and bloom. If you find a guard petal on your rose and want to remove it, simply grasp the petal near the base between two fingers, gently twist and pull away from the head. The petal should release easily. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a florist, imagine doing that to thousands of roses in preparation for Valentine’s Day!!
Here at Petals + Pine Floral Studio we are pretty particular about fresh flower care - because we’re professionals and you deserve the best! So while we always want you to have the “how-tos” we also want you to love your flowers. If you receive a bouquet of flowers, don’t stress about missing a day of water or burying your nose in your bouquet. We’ve all done it ;) Flowers are meant to be enjoyed and to bring joy to you!
