Understanding the Vase Life of Your Flowers
A Guide to Keeping Your Bouquet Fresh
Each type of flower has its own unique life expectancy, or "vase life," and several factors influence how long your bouquet will stay fresh and vibrant. Whether you've received a beautiful arrangement or treated yourself to a bunch of blooms, knowing a little about how to care for your flowers can make all the difference.
Factors Influencing Vase Life
The vase life of flowers can vary widely depending on several key factors:
Timing of Harvest: Flowers are best harvested during the coolest part of the day as flower stems are better hydrated during these parts of the day than in midday. This is usually early morning but the late afternoon and early evening are also fine. times too.- **Stage of Bloom:** The stage at which the flower is harvested—whether it's in bud, partially opened, or fully bloomed—can affect how long it will last in a vase. Plus there are flowers that are best harvested in bud just before they bloom while others need to be harvested once they are in flower.
Type of Flower: Different flowers have different life spans. Some, like chrysanthemums and alstroemerias, can last for weeks, while others, like dahlias and sweet peas, might only give you a few days of enjoyment.
Average Vase Life: Most cut flowers have an average vase life of about five days. Some, like roses, can last longer if properly cared for, while more delicate blooms may only give you three days of beauty.
Prolonging the Life of Your Bouquet
Here are a few simple tips to help extend the life of your flowers:
Trim the Stems: Before placing your flowers in water, cut about 2 cm off the stems at a 45-degree angle before placing them in water. This helps the flowers absorb water more efficiently.
Change the Water Regularly: A clean vase and fresh water are key to keeping your flowers happy. Scrub that vase and change the water every two days. Dirty vases will make your flowers expire faster. Also, some flowers, like Zinnias, Marigolds, and Sunflowers, can make the water murky quickly. Adding a drop of white vinegar or bleach (just one drop) will help!
Keep all Foliage/Leaves Out of the Water: To keep your flowers fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, it's important to follow a simple but crucial tip: keep all foliage and leaves out of the water. Only the stems should be submerged. Why is this important? Leaves that are left in the water can quickly develop bacteria, which in turn makes the water murky. This dirty water can then clog the stems and prevent your flowers from absorbing the nutrients they need, leading to a much shorter vase life. In fact, dirty water is the number one reason flowers expire quickly. By keeping the water clean and free of any foliage, you'll help your flowers stay fresh and beautiful for days longer.
Remove Expired Flowers: If a flower starts to wilt or die, remove it from the arrangement. This will prevent it from affecting the remaining flowers, which can continue to bloom and bring joy for days to come.
Direct Sun and Heat: Where you place your flowers at home matters. Flowers prefer a cool, shaded spot away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or drafts.
By understanding the factors that influence vase life and taking a few simple steps to care for your flowers, you can enjoy your bouquet for as long as possible. Whether it’s a single stem or a lush arrangement, every flower has its moment to shine.
I hope you have found this useful.
Thank you so much for being here.
Mel xo
