Cut flowers add beauty to any space, but keeping them vibrant during periods of extreme heat can be difficult. High temperatures can cause flowers to wilt. However, with a little extra care, you can prolong the life of your blooms even in the hottest weather like these next few days in Canberra. Here's my comprehensive guide to help your cut flowers thrive in this weeks extreme heat.
1. Start with Fresh Flowers
The journey to keeping cut flowers fresh begins with their quality. When purchasing flowers, choose ones with firm petals and healthy green foliage. Make sure your florist is buying direct from the farm meaning the time from cutting the stems to your vase is dramatically reduced. At Poetry we have been sourcing our blooms direct from the farms for over 25 years now allowing us to provide some of the freshest flowers available in Canberra.
2. Trim the Stems Properly and often
Once you bring your flowers home, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors or a knife. This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase. Re-trim the stems every couple of days to keep them fresh and healthy.
3. Use Clean Water
Fill a clean vase with cool water, warm water will accelerate the flowers decay in hot conditions. Change the water daily in hot weather to prevent bacterial buildup. For an extra boost, add the floral preservative sachet we provide with every bouquet to the water to nourish your flowers and help maintain their color and shape.
4. Keep Flowers Cool and Out of Direct Sunlight
Extreme heat and direct sunlight can quickly dehydrate your flowers. Place your vase in a cool, shaded area, away from the windows. If possible, air-conditioning or a fan can help regulate the room temperature.
5. Remove Wilting Leaves and Flowers
Dead or wilting foliage can spread bacteria through the entire arrangement. Regularly inspect your bouquet and remove any leaves or flowers that show signs of wilting or browning.
6. Avoid Ethylene Exposure
Ethylene gas often emitted by ripening fruits like bananas and apples, can speed up the aging process of your flowers. Try to keep your bouquet away from fruit bowls or any source of this gas.
A little effort goes a long way in preserving the freshness and vibrancy of your flowers, allowing you to bask in the joy of nature's beauty despite the heat.
- Skye x