What to Expect When Your Flowers Arrive

Your flowers have traveled directly from the farm to your door, and that is what makes them so special. Here is everything you need to know to give them the best start.

Your Flowers Are Farm-Direct

Unlike flowers from a grocery store or florist that may have been sitting in cold storage for days, your Bloomingmore flowers are harvested specifically for your order and shipped fresh. This means they arrive in bud form, not yet fully open, and require a little preparation before they are display-ready. Think of it as the final step in the journey from farm to bloom!

Before You Open the Box

When your order arrives, the box may look a little rough from its journey. That is completely by design! Our boxes are specially crafted to absorb the impact of shipping so your flowers arrive safe and protected inside. Do not judge the blooms by the box. Open it up and you will find your flowers snug and secure. Before you start, grab a pair of scissors, clippers, or shears. You will need them to cut the straps that keep your flowers in place inside the box.

Step 1: Be Ready for Your Delivery

A signature is required upon delivery, so make sure someone is available to receive your flowers. Fresh flowers are perishable and should be brought inside immediately. Do not leave them outside in extreme heat or cold.

Step 2: Open the Box Carefully

Gently open your box and remove the flowers. You may notice the blooms are wrapped in corrugated cardboard or paper sleeves. Do not remove this wrapping yet. It is there to support the stems and blooms during initial hydration.

Step 3: Trim the Stems and Remove Leaves

Using clean, sharp scissors or floral shears, trim about 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This opens up the stem and allows the flower to drink water more efficiently. Also, remove any leaves that will fall below the waterline. Submerged leaves can create bacteria that affect the water quality and shorten the vase life of your flowers. Keeping the water as clean and clear as possible is key.

Step 4: Hydrate with the Wrapping On

Place your flowers, wrapping and all, into a clean vase or bucket filled with fresh, cool water. Keeping the corrugated wrapping on during the first few hours of hydration helps the blooms stay upright and the stems drink properly. Remove the wrapping only after the flowers have had a chance to rehydrate.

Step 5: Remove Guard Petals

Many flowers, especially roses, arrive with outer protective petals called guard petals. These may look bruised, discolored, or damaged, but that is completely normal. They are there to protect the inner petals during shipping. Gently peel them away to reveal the beautiful blooms underneath.

Step 6: Watch Out for Thorns

Most roses come with thorns. Handle them carefully when unpacking, trimming, and arranging. You can use a thorn stripper or carefully remove them by hand if needed.

Step 7: Be Patient

Your flowers may look a little wilted or tight when they first arrive. This is completely normal! They have been through a journey and just need time and water to perk up. Most flowers will begin to open within 24 to 48 hours. Some varieties, like peonies, ranunculus, and garden roses, may take 2 to 3 days to fully bloom.

Step 8: Ongoing Care

• Change the water every 2 days and re-trim the stems each time.
• Remove any leaves that fall below the waterline to keep the water clean and bacteria-free.
• Keep flowers in a cool, shaded spot away from direct sunlight, heat vents, and ripening fruit.
• Do not overcrowd your vases or containers. Giving your flowers enough space allows them to open fully and perform at their best. Overcrowding can restrict airflow and affect the overall health and appearance of your arrangement.
• For painted, tinted, or glittered flowers, keep water away from the blooms and only submerge the stems.

Why Do My Flowers Look Different from the Photos?

Fresh flowers are a natural product. Colors, bloom sizes, and petal patterns can vary slightly depending on the season, growing conditions, and grower availability. We always select the best available blooms for your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my flowers do not open?

Give them a little more time and make sure they have fresh water and a warm (not hot) room. Re-trim the stems and change the water. If blooms still do not open after 3 to 4 days, reach out to our team and we will make it right.

Can I refrigerate my flowers?

Yes, with care. A floral refrigerator set between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. A regular household refrigerator can work in a pinch, but keep flowers away from fruits and vegetables, which release ethylene gas that speeds up wilting. Never freeze your flowers.

What if my flowers arrived damaged?

Please take photos of the box and blooms right away and contact us within 24 hours of delivery at customerservice@bloomingmore.com or 1-855-6BLOOMS (1-855-625-6667). We want every Blooming Enthusiast to have a beautiful experience.

How long will my flowers last?

Vase life varies by variety and care. With proper handling, most farm-direct flowers last 5 to 10 days. Hardier varieties like carnations and chrysanthemums can last even longer. Delicate varieties like sweet peas and anemones tend to have a shorter vase life. We always aim to be honest and realistic so you know what to expect.

Still Have Questions?

Visit our Care and Handling page for variety-specific guides, or reach out to our team at customerservice@bloomingmore.com or 1-855-6BLOOMS (1-855-625-6667). Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EST, and Saturday 9 am to 11 am EST.

Loved your blooms? We would love to hear about it! Leave us a Google Review and share your flowers with our community. Tag us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest. We love seeing your blooms in their new home!

Shop Fresh Farm-Direct Flowers