Certain varieties of cut flowers last longer than others. Carnations, for example, can remain vibrant for long periods. Roses have a shorter vase life, but are prized for their delicate beauty. When buying flowers, be sure to ask your florist how long you should expect your arrangement to last.
Essentials for your flowers…
Keep your flowers in a cool area around 16 to 22 degrees Celsius. Place your flowers out of direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, or any direct drafts. Don’t place your flowers on anything that gives off heat such as TV’s or heating radiators, and avoid leaving your flowers in the car over an extended period of time.
Floral Arrangements
When your flowers come prearranged in floral foam container, keep the floral foam soaked with water at all times with water containing floral food. Be sure to follow the mixing instructions on the floral food packet. As the arrangement gets older, pluck away dying blooms, in order to keep your centerpiece looking fresh.
Floral Bouquets
When you have flowers that are to be kept in a vase, fill the vase with fresh water containing the floral food supplied by your florist. Always use lukewarm water – there is less oxygen in it, and helps prevent air bubbles in the stem that will block water uptake. It also encourages some flowers to open up. The only exception to this is spring bulb flowers like daffodils, tulips and iris’s, which prefer cold water.When the water in the vase becomes cloudy, replace the entire contents of the vase with fresh water and floral food. Re-cut the stems with a sharp knife… removing 1″ to 2″ off the stem. Remove the leaves that will be below the water line to discourage bacterial growth that can harm the flowers.
Why use floral food… and what is it?
Floral food contains the correct ingredients to feed the flowers properly. It is also designed to keep bacteria at bay (which blocks stems from water uptake). Preservative also encourages buds to open, and lengthen the life of the flowers. In all, the preservative is scientifically tested to make your flowers last longer.
It is one of the best and easiest ways to extend the life of your flowers. It is very important to follow the directions on the package. Improperly mixed floral food can do more harm than good!
Ask for cut flower food if it is not already supplied by your florist.