I’m a sucker for weekly fresh cut flowers – they instantly brighten up my home and add a touch of elegance. So, when I was invited to join a few fellow bloggers at Bobbie’s Flowers for an exclusive flower arranging class, I jumped at the opportunity.
Paula, the owner, shared some valuable tips on how to extend the life of your fresh cut flowers – and it’s surprisingly simple! We also got hands-on experience creating our own stunning market-fresh bouquets.
If you’re interested in learning how to do it too, just keep reading for a step-by-step guide.
How to Make Your Fresh Cut Flowers Last Longer
Trim Immediately
Upon returning home, take a few moments to trim the stems of your cut flowers at an angle. This simple step allows them to absorb water more efficiently, which is crucial for their overall health and longevity. By trimming the stems in this manner, you’ll create a clean surface area that can easily draw in water, much like exposing white stem bases. To make the process even easier, consider investing in high-quality floral clippers designed specifically for cutting flower stems.
Keep the Water Fresh
While it’s ideal to change the water daily, as recommended by Paula, life can get in the way, making every other day a reasonable compromise. In reality, most of us don’t always have the time or inclination to refresh our flower vases as frequently as we should. However, this simple habit can make a significant difference in helping your freshly cut blooms last longer and remain vibrant.
Stay Away From Direct Sunlight
While it’s tempting to place your flowers near a sunny window, it’s actually better to opt for a spot with natural light but not direct sunlight. Direct rays can cause your blooms to wilt prematurely, so aim for a location that offers gentle illumination instead. This will help keep your flowers looking fresh and vibrant.
Store in a Cool Place
When the scorching desert heat becomes unbearable, many of us instinctively crank up the thermostat when leaving our homes. However, this common practice can inadvertently hasten the wilting of freshly cut blooms. In reality, a more effective way to prolong the life of your flowers is by providing them with a cool and gentle environment.
This technique is not unique to florists; they often store their exquisite arrangements in the refrigerator to preserve their freshness and vibrancy for an extended period.
Forget the Sugar, etc.
When it comes to extending the life of fresh cut flowers, many people turn to DIY solutions online. One common tip is to create a homemade flower food mixture using sugar and vinegar. However, Paula disputes this approach, pointing out that sugar can actually foster bacteria growth in the vase – not exactly what you want. Instead, she recommends sticking with the flower food pouches provided, which are specifically designed for your blooms’ needs.
How to Arrange Fresh Cut Flowers
When we delved into the art of prolonging the life of fresh-cut flowers, we also got to indulge in the creative process of crafting our own market bouquets! This hands-on experience turned out to be a surprisingly calming activity. As someone who enjoys arranging bouquets at home but is no expert, I found it fascinating to learn about the process. To arrange your own bouquet, start by categorizing your blooms into four groups: large flowers, filler flowers, greenery, and smaller flowers.
Begin by preparing the greens first. Place them along the vase’s edge, using your table as a reference point for trimming. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when cutting stems, so start small if you’re unsure! The greens should just peek above the base of the arrangement, with no leaves submerged in water. Next, add the large flowers, which naturally take up the most space. Then, incorporate the smaller flowers and finally, the fillers.
If you don’t use them all, that’s perfectly okay too! In addition to mastering the art of flower arrangement, feel free to get creative with your vases! From slender vases to unconventional containers, flowers can thrive in a wide range of vessels. When you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, consider experimenting with specialized tools like floral foam, flower tape (for creating a flower grid), and wire.
We used wire to manipulate some daisies, and it was an impressive trick to master.
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As you navigate through the world of floral arrangements, it’s not uncommon for individuals to take pride in their ability to craft beautiful displays using freshly cut blooms. If you’re one of those people who enjoys arranging flowers at home, we’d love to hear about your favorite techniques and tricks.