Essential Care Tips for Your Purchased Bouquets
Bringing home a bouquet can brighten any space, but did you know that locally grown flowers often boast a noticeably longer vase life than their store-bought, imported counterparts? This advantage makes locally sourced blooms a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy their bouquets longer. A little bit of know-how. can really help extend their beauty.
01
Immediate Care
The moment you bring your bouquet home, it’s important to give it the necessary attention. Start by trimming the stems. Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the stems at a desired length. This will increase the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from resting flat at the bottom of the vase, which could block water intake.
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Take special care for Daffodils due to the toxic sap they release, which can adversely affect other flowers. After trimming the daffodils to the desired length, place them in a separate container of water for about three hours. This allows time for the sap to stop flowing. Once this period has passed, it's safe to add them to the rest of your bouquet without harming the other flowers.
02
Proper Vase and Water Prep
Always use a clean vase for your flowers. Residue or bacteria in the vase can quickly shorten the life of the bouquet. Rinse the vase with water to eliminate any potential bacteria. Fill the vase with lukewarm water, which helps the stems absorb water more efficiently than cold water. Flower food is not necessary, and not all flowers like it but can be beneficial so if you have commercial flower food available, feel free to add it according to the package instructions; otherwise, refer to the homemade flower food recipe in the bonus tips section.
03
Strategic Placement
Choosing the right spot to place your bouquet can significantly affect its lifespan. Avoid areas with direct sunlight, drafts, or heat sources like radiators or electronic devices, which can dehydrate the flowers. Also, keep your bouquet away from fresh fruit, which emits ethylene gas as it ripens. Ethylene can accelerate aging and wilting in flowers.
04
Water Management
It's crucial to change the water in the vase every two days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. When changing the water, be sure to clean the vase thoroughly with soapy water to remove any bacteria or mold that have started to build up. This helps ensure that your flowers have the clean environment they need to thrive.
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05
Regular Trimming
Every time you change the water, trim the stems. Cutting about half an inch off the bottom at a 45-degree angle not only helps with water absorption but also removes any potential blockages in the stem that could impede water flow. This small step can make a big difference in extending your bouquet’s life.
06
Remove Wilting Flowers
Regularly check your bouquet and remove any wilting or dead flowers and foliage. Decaying plant material releases bacteria and ethylene, which can accelerate the aging and wilting of the other flowers. It's also important to remove any leaves or excess foliage that would touch the water in the vase. Leaves submerged in the water can decay, contributing to bacterial growth that can spread to healthy parts of the arrangement. Removing these elements helps prevent contamination and maintain the overall health and beauty of your bouquet.
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07
Bonus Tips
Keep your flowers fresh by mixing one teaspoon of sugar (for nourishment), one teaspoon of vinegar (to inhibit bacterial growth), and two teaspoons of lemon or lime juice (to acidify the water) into a quart of lukewarm water.
By diligently following these essential care tips, you can significantly enhance the lifespan and appearance of your purchased bouquets. Remember, the effort you put into caring for your bouquet not only preserves its beauty but also maximizes your enjoyment of these natural wonders. If you have any questions or need further guidance on how to care for your flowers, please email us at contactus@rustyshovelgrowing.com. We're here to help you enjoy your blooms to the fullest!