Fresh and colourful flowers are always the best and sweetest gift for Valentine’s day, and this has become a norm for many. However, even if it’s a precious gift, flowers can wilt and fade quickly regardless of the price and quality. In short, bouquets of flowers don’t stay forever. The good thing is that there are some effective tricks you can try to make sure your flowers last longer. Yes, you can keep those bouquet of flowers at home and make them fresh in the longest possible time.
Your Valentine’s Day flowers shouldn’t get dry immediately! Here are the top tips for keeping the freshness of your flowers and making them remain as gorgeous as day one.
Replace the Water Frequently
Early wilting can be caused by dirty water, so you need to maintain your flowers by changing the water frequently. Doing so at least every two days can prevent bacteria build-up which will then block the stems of the flowers. Make sure to also clean the vase before pouring new water to eliminate existing dirty residue. It is best to fill your vase with lukewarm water, as cold water may shock the stems and warm water promotes bacterial growth.
Feed Your Flowers
When buying a bouquet, it usually comes with some flower food – this is what most florists do. It is strongly advised to use those foods, since it has a blend of nutrients that can help inhibit bacterial growth. In case you do not have flower food, just prepare your own by mixing a little bit of sugar and a drop of bleach or a splash of lemon juice into the water (this kills bacteria). Do not add a lot of sugar to avoid growing mould.
Cut the Stems Immediately
The first thing to do after receiving a bouquet in order to maintain its freshness is to cut the stems. Cut them off at least an inch of each flower using a sharp knife or scissors. But do not just cut it, ensure you do a 45-degree angle cut out. This will help the flowers to eliminate any air bubbles that might have been trapped during transport and enable the flowers to absorb water more effectively. Make sure to do this under water (if possible) so that air will not enter the stems, which can slow down their water absorption.
Avoid Flowers from Heat and Direct Sunlight
Yes, flowers love sunlight, but it’s not good for them to get sun exposure under them for an extended period of time. In fact, putting flowers on a sun-drenched window might actually result in wilting. This goes the same when you place a vase near hot places or objects like kitchen stoves and fireplaces. Too much heat dehydrates the flowers and causes them to dry up fast. The best thing to do is place your flowers in cold places, away from any heat sources.
Cut Dead Petals and Leaves
Dead petals and leaves can contaminate water, as well as spread bacteria to existing healthy flowers. The removal process will still depend on what type of flowers you have. This will ensure that they will stay fresh for a longer period.
Avoid Placing Flowers Near Ripening Fruits
Yes, placing flowers near ripening fruits is not good, since they can emit ethylene gas into the surroundings. This gas can cause flowers to age prematurely. If you have ripening fruits in the same area where you put those flowers now, it is time to keep them away from those toxins.
Vase Size Matters
The size of your vase has a lot to do with keeping flowers fresh. Ensure that the vase is big or tall enough to hold the stems with enough space for them to soak and absorb water efficiently. A vase that is too small may limit the absorption of flowers, which can then cause faster wilting. Make sure to choose a vase that suits your bouquet perfectly.
Store flowers in a cooler area
Night time will give the lowest temperature, so it is best to put your flowers in a much cooler area. The low temperature keeps the flowers fresh and prevents them from getting dry too soon. You can place them during the night in your outdoor spaces as long as the weather is not too cold. Just avoid exposing them to very low temperatures because it can also cause damage.
Gift flowers from Valentine’s Day really are not easy to dispose of because it brings all the good memories of the said occasion. Yes, flowers can’t stay fresh for long without any preservation process. But, of course, there are ways to extend the lifespan and freshness of those precious gifts. By doing the listed tips above, you can preserve the freshness of your bouquet for the longest time possible.
