How to make flowers last as long as possible
How Long Will a Bouquet of Flowers Last?
A bouquet of flowers is a classic gift for any situation. Flowers can be used to congratulate someone’s accomplishments, issue an apology, mark a romantic anniversary, show gratitude, or be an essential part of a beautiful wedding. How long that classic gift will last can depend on several factors, including types of flowers and how they are cared for.
The Type of Flower Matters
Different types of flowers live for very different lengths of time once cut, from under a week on average to over two weeks. Generally, blooms that last longer on the plant also last longer in a bouquet. Many of the most popular flowers to put in a bouquet are those that are considered longer-lasting blooms.
Flowers that Last up to 1 Week
The following flowers generally last less than a week after being cut. For that reason, they are not as commonly used in bouquets:
Tulips
Daisies
Gardenias
Poppies
Flowers that Last 7 to 10 Days
Flowers that last one week to one and a half weeks are more popular in bouquets. Quite a few flowers fall into this category, including the following:
Lillies
Peonies
Sunflowers
Roses
Hydrangeas
Flowers that Last up to 2 Weeks
These flowers make last much longer than average and are great additions to a bouquet:
Alstroemerias
Birds of Paradise
Gerberas
Flowers that Last Over 2 Weeks
The following flowers can live over two weeks after being cut, and are found in many bouquets for that reason:
Carnations
Chrysanthemums
Hypericum
Ways to Extend the Life of Cut Flowers
Choosing flowers that last a long time is not the only way to extend the life of a bouquet. Once the right flowers have been carefully selected and arranged, there are ways to help them last even longer.
Making the Cut
Trimming flowers is a well-known way to extend their life. To maximize how much water a flower can absorb, cut the stems at an angle. The diagonal cut creates a larger surface for absorption and keeps the stem from sitting flat at the bottom of a vase which can slow water intake.
Re-trimming every day or so can also help. When trimming, make sure to use sharp scissors so the stems are not damaged, and also remove the leaves below the water line to discourage bacteria.
What About Water?
While putting the bouquet into water is common sense, it is not enough to place the flowers in a vase of water and then walk away. First, ensure the vase is clean. A dirty vase breeds bacteria which can decrease the life of a cut flower. Water should also be changed regularly. Plant food also cuts down on bacterial growth and it can be helpful to add plant food each time the water is replaced.
Keep it Cool
Temperature and sunlight do a lot to determine the life of a bouquet of flowers. Unlike house plants, sunlight is not good for cut flowers and can shorten the life of the bouquet. Warm temperatures can also be detrimental. Keeping the bouquet in cool, shaded places is helpful. For types of flowers that especially like cool temperatures, some people even refrigerate the bouquet at night time.
Some Final Thoughts
While there are a lot of ways to extend the life of a floral bouquet, flowers can only stay as fresh as they are the day they arrive. This means that whether one is shopping for a bouquet for a loved one or looking for a San Francisco Wedding Florist, finding a florist that can be trusted to provide quality flowers is essential. Visit https://urbanbotanicasf.com for an array of fresh flowers that can be delivered in beautiful condition, and kept fresh with the above tips.