Receiving farm-fresh flowers is one of the best feelings. But when that box arrives and the blooms look a little sleepy, it can be easy to worry. Do not panic. Your flowers have just traveled directly from the farm and need a little time to wake up. Follow these seven simple steps and your blooms will open into something beautiful.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you open the box, get everything you need ready so the process is smooth and quick. You will need:
- Sharp scissors or a clean floral knife
- Fresh cool water
- Flower food (if included with your order, or from our Floral Supplies collection)
- Your chosen vase or container
Step 2: Remove the Outer Packaging
Carefully open the box using scissors, taking care not to cut too deep or damage the blooms inside. Your flowers will be wrapped in cardboard, paper, or plastic to protect them during transit. Gently remove all the packaging. Your flowers will arrive in bud form, which is completely intentional. Shipping in bud protects the delicate petals and means your blooms arrive in peak condition, ready to open at their own pace over the next couple of days.
Step 3: Trim the Stems at an Angle
Using sharp scissors or a floral knife, trim about 1 inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree diagonal angle. Cutting at an angle increases the surface area of the stem that is exposed to water, which helps your flowers drink more efficiently and stay fresh longer. Cut the ends of your stems and allow them to hydrate in fresh water for at least 1 to 2 hours before arranging. This step makes a real difference.
Step 4: Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Before placing your stems in the vase, remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline. Submerged leaves decompose quickly and promote bacteria growth, which shortens the life of your blooms significantly. Strip those lower leaves off cleanly and your water will stay cleaner and your flowers will last much longer.
Step 5: Add Flower Food and Fresh Water
Fill your vase or container with fresh cool water and add flower food. Flower food provides the nutrients your blooms need to stay vibrant and extends their vase life considerably. If flower food was not included with your order, we strongly recommend picking some up from our Floral Supplies collection. The Chrysal Hydrating Solution is also excellent for giving stems a deep nutrient boost right after they arrive.
Step 6: Let Your Flowers Hydrate
Place your stems in the water and give them time to drink. Do not be alarmed if your flowers look a little wilted when they first arrive. This is completely normal after a journey from the farm. With proper hydration they will perk up dramatically within a few hours, and will be fully open and beautiful by the next morning. If you need them to open faster, use slightly warmer water to encourage quicker blooming.
Step 7: Arrange and Enjoy
Once your flowers have had time to hydrate, arrange them in your vase as you like. Place them in a cool location, away from direct sunlight, heat vents, and drafts. Cool does not mean cold, just away from heat sources that cause blooms to age faster.
Pro tip: Keep your arrangement away from fruits. Ripening produce releases ethylene gas which causes flowers to wilt faster.
Ongoing care: Change the water every 2 to 3 days, re-trim the stems each time, and remove any wilted blooms or fallen leaves from the water to keep everything fresh and clean.
We have detailed care and handling guides for each flower type in our store. Make sure to check them out at our Flower Care Guide page. Each variety has its own needs and knowing them makes a real difference in how long your blooms last.
Ready to order your next arrangement? Browse our full collection of fresh cut flowers, roses, garden roses, hydrangeas, and so much more at bloomingmore.com.
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