Cut flowers bring a burst of color and life to any room, but it’s hard to keep those beautiful flowers alive if they are not properly cared for.
If you want to extend the life of your bouquet, a few key steps can make all the difference. Here at Port Farms, we have 3 acres of beautiful u-pick sunflowers, zinnias and cosmos for you to take home. To give your flowers the longest vase life, here are a few tips:
1. Trim the Stems
The first step in flower care is to trim the stems. When you are cutting, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This angle increases the surface area for water absorption. Use clippers, a sharp knife or scissors to ensure a clean cut; a dull blade can crush the stems, reducing their ability to take in water.
2. Use a Clean Vase
Using a clean vase is crucial. Bacteria and mold from an unwashed vase can quickly spoil the water and shorten the lifespan of your flowers. At the farm, we provide a brand new, clean vase. If you are picking flowers on your own somewhere else, be sure to wash the vase with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly before placing flowers in.
3. Prepare the Water
Fill your clean vase with lukewarm water. At the farm we provide a large filling tank of water to ensure your flowers have fresh water immediately after picking. Lukewarm water is more readily absorbed by the flowers than cold water. If you have a flower food packet, add it to the water as instructed. Flower food typically contains a mix of nutrients, preservatives, and anti-bacterial agents that help keep flowers fresh longer. If you don’t have flower food, you can create a simple homemade solution: mix one teaspoon of sugar with one teaspoon of lemon juice in a quart of water. The sugar acts as a food source, while the lemon juice helps inhibit bacterial growth.
4. Remove Excess Leaves
Changing the water every one to two days is essential. Bacteria and algae can develop quickly in stagnant water, so regular changes will help keep the water fresh and reduce bacterial growth. When changing the water, rinse out the vase to remove any residue and replace it with fresh, lukewarm water.
6. Keep Flowers Cool
Temperature plays a significant role in flower longevity. Keep your bouquet in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. Excessive heat can cause flowers to wilt faster, while cooler temperatures help slow the aging process.
7. Prune Regularly
As your flowers age, some may wilt or die. Regularly remove the dying parts of the flower and any leaves that have begun to deteriorate. This improves the appearance of the bouquet and prevents the spread of decay to healthier flowers. By following these simple and effective tips, your flowers will live a longer, more beautiful life in your home!
Picking your own flowers can be a fun experience. If you follow the steps above, you will be able to enjoy your freshly picked flowers for up to a week! Visit Port Farms near Erie, PA from August – September during Summer Days and enjoy 3 acres of u-pick flowers, farm attractions, festivals and more!
Article Sources:
- https://greenfreshflorals.com/blogs/flora-blog/how-florists-keep-flowers-alive
- https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-keep-flowers-fresh
- https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/how-to-make-cut-flowers-last-longer
- https://food52.com/blog/22901-easy-diy-flowers-food-to-make-fresh-cut-bouquets-last-longer