You are spoiled for choice when it comes to gorgeous flowers blooming this Spring and there’s nothing like a fresh floral arrangement to brighten up your home or business. But as beautiful as they are, fresh-cut flowers can fade quickly if not properly cared for. The good news? With just a few easy steps, you can extend the life of your spring blooms and keep them looking radiant longer.
START WITH FRESH FLOWERS
The longevity of your arrangement starts with the freshness of the flowers. If you’re buying from a market or florist, choose blooms with tight buds and firm stems. Avoid flowers that are already fully open or wilting–they won’t last much longer.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT VASE
Given the tendency of tulips and hyacinths to grow and bend, taller vases or those that fully encompass the stems are recommended to prevent drooping and preserve their elegance. Alternatively, if you prefer a smaller, compact arrangement, please request stem trimming to fit a shorter vase.
USE A CLEAN VASE
Your vase doesn’t just have to be the right size or shape; it should also be clean. Always use a squeaky-clean vase. Bacteria from old water or residue can dramatically shorten the life of your flowers. Wash with hot, soapy water or a mixture of bleach and water to ensure it’s germs-free.
STRATEGIC PLACEMENT
- Spring flowers prefer cooler environments.
- Keep your flowers away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources, as they can cause them to wilt prematurely.
- Avoid placing flowers near ripening fruit, as the ethylene gas they release can shorten their lifespan.
HYDRATION IS ESSENTIAL
Fresh water is crucial! Every two days, dump the old water, clean the vase, and refill it with clean water. Trim stems slightly each time, re-cut the stem at a 45-degree angle to maximize water absorption.
GENTLE HANDLING
- Handle your flowers with care, as their delicate petals can be easily damaged.
- Some flowers will naturally fade faster than others. Remove any faded or wilting blooms to keep the arrangement looking fresh and prevent them from affecting the rest of the flowers. You can even rearrange the remaining flowers into smaller bouquets.
- Remove lower leaves that sit in water, as these are more likely to rot and create bacteria, which shortens the life of your spring blooms. Strip any leaves from the lower half of the stem before placing them in the vase.
SPRING FLOWER SPECIFICS
Tulips - Pole the stems with a clean needle to improve hydration and keep them upright. Place them in lukewarm water–not hot, which can be damaging–to encourage closed buds to bloom more quickly.
Hyacinths - Their strong fragrance can be overwhelming in small places, so place them in well-ventilated areas.
FEED YOUR FLOWERS
You can always ask your florist for a packet of flower food. If you don’t have any, you can make your own by mixing a teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar (or lemon juice), and a few drops of bleach in a quart of lukewarm water. The sugar feeds the flowers, the acid balances the pH, and the bleach prevents bacterial growth.
THE GIFT OF FRESH FLOWERS EVERY MONTH
Want to be surrounded by beautiful flowers everyday? Forget about the wilting bouquet blues or the hassle of going out to get flowers. With Orchid Republic Floral Boutique’s floral subscription package, you can effortlessly have fresh blooms, already styled and fabulous. You don’t have to worry about a thing, every month, a carefully curated collection of stunning, seasonal flowers will be delivered to you, ready to transform your home or office into a sanctuary. Not ready for that kind of commitment? We also have a convenient same-day flower delivery service in Los Angeles and Orange County for all your floral needs.
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