Aug 10

Flower Care Tips and Tricks

HOW DO I MAKE MY FLOWERS LAST LONGER?

We all love bringing a splash of color and life into our homes with fresh flowers, but making them last can sometimes feel like a challenge. Fear not! With a few simple steps and a sprinkle of care, your blooms will thrive and delight you for days on end.

Bouquets

1. Sparkling Clean Containers

Just like us, flowers love a clean home. Start with a squeaky-clean vase to keep your blooms healthy and happy. Any lingering dirt or bacteria can lead to premature aging, so make sure it’s spotless before your flowers move in.

2. A Quick Trim Does Wonders

Before you pop those beauties into the vase, give the stems a little snip. Cutting about half an inch off with sharp, clean scissors ensures they’re ready to drink up all the goodness. Think of it as giving them a fresh start!

3. H2O is the Way to Go

Flowers are thirsty creatures, especially when they first arrive. Fill your vase with plenty of water—enough to cover the stems well. Check the water level daily, especially in the first couple of days when the flowers are the thirstiest. Fresh-cut blooms are still very much alive and will drink up that water quickly, so don’t let them go thirsty.

4. Leaf Litter? No Thanks!

Strip any leaves that would sit below the waterline. Leaves underwater are like guests who’ve overstayed their welcome—they make the place smell bad and can ruin the fun for everyone else. Keep it fresh, folks!

5. Keep Cool, Stay Fresh

Unlike us, flowers aren’t fans of sunbathing. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A cool, shady spot will extend their stay, keeping them perky and pristine.

6. Fruit? Fabulous! Just Not Nearby

Your bouquet’s worst enemy might just be that fruit bowl. Ripening fruits, especially bananas and apples, release ethylene gas, which tells flowers it’s time to drop their petals. Keep them apart, and your flowers will stay fabulous longer.

7. Water Change-Up

Fresh water is a flower’s best friend. Change it out every 2-3 days and give those stems a fresh cut while you’re at it. This way, they stay hydrated and happy, just like us with a fresh glass of water.

8. Go Easy on the Flower Food

When it comes to flower food, less is more. We find that fresh-cut flowers from our fields don’t need any preservatives or food. Unlike imported flowers, ours are harvested at the perfect stage, allowing them to naturally open and shine. It’s a personal choice we’ve made to stay as sustainable as possible.

9. Not All Flowers Are Created Equal

Every bloom has its time to shine, but some fade faster than others. Remove any spent flowers promptly so the rest of the arrangement can continue to dazzle.

10. Warning: No Snacking!

Remember, these blooms are for admiring, not munching. Some flowers can be toxic, so keep them away from curious kids and pets.

Arrangements

Arrangements can be a bit trickier since we design these using chicken wire—yes, chicken wire! This method is eco-friendly, no foam here!, and helps keep your flowers well-hydrated, but it does mean you can’t remove the flowers to recut the stems. Here’s how to care for these beauties:

1. Fresh Splash: Out with the Old, In with the New

Every couple of days, let your arrangements enjoy a fresh drink. Empty the old water completely and gently pour in fresh water, allowing it to overflow slightly to help rinse the vase clean.

2. Chill Zone: Cool and Cozy is the Way to Go

Your arrangements thrive in cool comfort. Keep them away from direct sunlight and the ripening fruit bowl to preserve their vibrant charm.

With these tips, your arrangements will stay fresh and vibrant, adding a beautiful touch to your space for days to come.

Beautiful DIY flowers created for a spring wedding at The American Visionary Art Museum Baltimore MD

Flower Tidbits: A Few Extra Notes

Narcissus (aka Daffodils)

Not all flowers love a fresh cut. Daffodils have a sap that’s toxic to other blooms, which is why deer tend to avoid them. We condition these beauties for you, so no need to snip again—just enjoy their fresh look.

Tulips

These are special! Unlike other flowers, tulips keep growing even after they’re cut. Our specialty varieties can be quite large and full, and they can grow up to four inches in a week. Make sure to give them the right support and never let them extend more than a third of their length past the vase’s height. So snip away when needed!

And there you have it—your flowers are all set to put on a long-lasting show with these flower care tips and tricks. Enjoy their beauty and fragrance, knowing you’ve given them the best care possible.

For more tips on everything floral, keep an eye on our blog or reach out with any questions. Happy blooming!