Flowers, much like humans, respond to their environment so to enjoy them at their best for the longest, it is important to make sure that they are happy. It will also make them last even longer which means you’ll get even better value from your blooms.
Here are some things to consider when caring for your flowers in the cooler months.
- Read The Instructions
Most good florists will include a short care guide on how to best look after your flowers when they deliver. If it’s gone walkabout don’t worry here’s a reminder.
If they are in a water bubble they can stay in it for a few hours but ideally no more and when you cut it open a good trick is to do it over a sink an snip the bottom so the water drains out and then you can safely remove the packaging. If they are not in a water bubble they need to go into water as soon as possible after receiving them.
Fill a clean vase with room-temperature water. Before placing them in the vase, trim a couple of centimeters from the end of the stems at an angle with a sharp knife or pair of scissors and remove any leaves that will fall below the water line. Repeat these steps every 2 days for the best results and longest lasting blooms. If using flower food, follow the instructions on the packet on the days instructed.
- Be Aware of Heat Sources
While we admit that a vase of flowers or arrangement on the mantelpiece looks divine, you will be sure to shorten the life of your flowers drastically should you decide to light a fire beneath them. The same goes for radiators and other heat sources including spots that are fortunate enough to feel the winter sun. Most flowers prefer a cool, stable environment without any drastic changes in temperature.
- And The Cold Too!
While flowers do prefer to be on the cooler side, it is equally important to make sure that they do not freeze. Place them away from any draughty areas or windowsills and try to get the vase water to room-temperature or add a splash of warm water before adding the flowers to avoid shocking them.
- Fickle Friends
With Christmas fast approaching, you may have more fresh fruit and vegetables in the house. Be careful, these can cause flowers to wilt if they are too close. In the same way that a bowl of browning bananas can cause the rest of a fruit bowl to decay, they can also have the same effect on fresh flowers.
