Cut flowers that you bring home from the florist or garden center need regular care to stay fresh and beautiful. While commercial flower food is designed to provide nutrients cut flowers need to stay healthy, it’s not always necessary. With the right techniques, you can keep your flowers looking their best without using flower food.
Watering
Proper watering is key for flowers without food. Cut flowers from any Jefferson NC florist need enough water to stay hydrated but not soggy. Change the water every 2-3 days and make sure the vase is cleaned with hot, soapy water to remove any bacteria buildup. You can add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the freshwater, which helps prevent blockages in the stem. The ideal water level is just below the cutting end of the stem so it stays moist.
Temperature Control
Heat is one of the biggest enemies of cut flowers. Keep blooms out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like oven vents or fireplaces. The optimal temperature for cut flowers is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing flowers in draughty areas or where temperatures fluctuate greatly. Rooms that are too hot or cold will cause flowers to wilt faster.
Stems and Leaves
For optimal hydration, it’s important to trim any stems diagonally with a sharp, clean knife or scissors under water. This exposes more surface area for absorbing water. Strip lower leaves that would fall below the water line to prevent bacteria growth. You can also recut stems periodically to ensure they have a fresh opening to take up water efficiently without restricting flow.
Floral Preservatives
While not exactly flower food, certain additives like bleach, lemon juice, vinegar, or commercially available floral preservatives can help extend vase life naturally. Adding 1/4 teaspoon of bleach for every quart of water helps prevent bacterial growth. Or use 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar or 2-3 drops of food-grade lemon juice in the water.
Hydration Stages
Change up your watering technique based on the stage of the flowers’ hydration. For the first day or two after your flower delivery in West Jefferson NC, submerge the stems completely to fully hydrate them. After that, place stems in water just below the cut end. Near the end of their life when stems become limp, try re-cutting under water and submerging again briefly to refresh them.
Proper Care for Specific Flowers
Different flowers have special needs depending on their variety. Research how to care for yours specifically. For example, lilies and orchids need daily water, while roses prefer water every other day. Delicate blooms like tulips should have their water changed daily. Find the right balance for each type to extend their beauty.
Environmental Factors
Monitor humidity levels, which can greatly affect flower longevity if too low. Try using pebbles and water in a tray under pots or placing cut flower vases on trays of wet pebbles. Avoid dry heat sources. Watch for ethylene gas deterrents if combining flowers that produce more ethylene like carnations with sensitive blooms like mums.
Go the Extra Mile
For extra TLC, you can remove all foliage below the water line for maximum water absorption when stems are first placed in water. Adding slices of fresh fruit like lemon or apple gives water a more floral appearance and additional vitamins.
Speaking to your flowers and giving them praise is also heartily recommended! With some patience and care, you certainly don’t need expensive flower food mixes to enjoy fresh-cut blooms.
Need flowers fast? Order flower delivery in Jefferson NC from Lilylee’s Florist today! Choose from our selection of fresh seasonal bouquets, arrangements, and single stems. We have roses, tulips, lilies, orchids and more.