How To Keep Flowers Fresh

 

Floral News

Hello!

I hope you are keeping safe and my latest blog finds you well as we navigate our way through the recent Pandemic.

The weather has certainly helped hasn’t it? in addition to a bunch of flower’s which definitely lift’s the spirits, (for most of us anyway).

I’ve noticed more floral deliveries leaving with “chin up” & ‘miss you” messages than ever before.

The range of flowers that I’ve been able to source these recent weeks since “cautiiously opening” have lifted my spirits too.

Not only have we seen our suppliers temporarily reducing the stock they carry over the past three months sadly some flower growers where stock is grown have sadly closed the door on their flower farms. We hope to see them bloom again next year.

I for one have wanted to show my suppliers support as a Thank you for all the exquisite blooms they’ve sourced for use to use in weddings over recent year’s without fail and in turn thank you for purchasing the weekly bunches, without you that wouldn’t be possible.

We’ll look forward to welcoming those wonderful wedding blooms very soon for the brides & groom’s who’ve understandably  postponed until next year.

The weather has been glorious recently hasn’t it? those long, warm days enabling us to get outside and enjoy the outdoor space we have with more time to ignite an interest in nurturing new plants whether it be a grow bag of home grown cherry tomatoes to the most fragrant climbing roses Or lighting the Bbq more occasionally than usual.

So, once cut how can we give our fresh flowers the best and longest chance of survival in our home?.

 

How to keep your flowers fresh

Quick question, Who plonks their flowers straight into a clean but dusty vase that’s been sat at the very back of the cupboard? c’mon hands up.
I’m sure there’s a few, but here follows a little explanation of how to initially prepare your vase, water and flowers and the care for the following days that lie ahead.

 

Step one: Vase Preparation

Wash your vase with hot water, (not boiling for safety reasons) and a small-cap full of bleach together with a sponge. (protecting your clothes at all times).
Allow the vase to dry naturally rather than use a t-towel. Why? This is to ensure that no bacteria is present when water and flowers are introduced into the vase.

Step two: Preparing Your Water

Condition your water. Tap water is suitable for fresh flowers but it does need to be conditioned to be ideal for thriving blooms.
Woody Stems prefer a deeper drink, like roses and chrysanthemums so fill up to around 2/3rds full with tap water. Softer stems, like spring flowers, prefer a more shallow drink so maybe 1/3rd for those.
Once filled pop the vase to one side to allow any air bubbles to escape and for the water to reach room temperature.
Why? Flower’s take in room temperature water more efficiently than cold so putting fresh flowers in warmer water for their first drink is crucial. The air bubbles in the vase can get stuck in the stems which can create a blockage which can interfere with water intake.

 

 

The two clean vases above were prepared at the same time as each other, the left without flower food and the one on the right with a quarter of a Milton sterilising tablet.

They were left overnight and the findings are the left hand vase water has started to discolour, can you see? and the vase water on the left crystal clear, known as a great addition to vase water keeping it clear and the flowers very happy too! give it a go and see for yourself.

Step Three: The Flower Food

Flowers that leave our workroom have sachets of flower food attached, this is to be added to your vase of water make sure it’s fully dissolved with a quick stir.

The flower food is a concoction of bleach (bactericide) sugar & Citric acid (acidifier) These three ingredients contain the perfect environment for cut flowers.

Why does it work?

Bleach eliminates harmful bacteria, sugar provides flowers with the energy to bloom and citric acid balances the PH in tap water, dissolves the bubbles and improves the effectiveness of bleach.

 

 

 

Step 4: And Finally…

Cut the base of the stem on an angle (this creates a larger surface area for water intake & remove any foliage that will sit below the water level.

Arrange your flowers and place the vase away from direct sunlight, radiators and draughts.

The cooler the room, the longer the flowers will last. Change the water at least once a week by following the tips above and remove any faded blooms to encourage remaining buds to open.

Next time you pick up flowers or receive some I hope you remember reading this little blog full to the brim of information so you can get the most out of your pretty flowers.

Take care & stay safe

Rachel