It’s sunflower season, and these stems are a bright and cheerful addition to any space, but keeping them fresh and vibrant can sometimes be a challenge.
As one of the most popular flowers for gifting and decorating, it’s no surprise that many people seek expert advice on how to extend their sunflower bouquets’ lifespan.
To help you enjoy your sunflowers for as long as possible, the plant and flower experts at Beards & Daisies have shared their top tips for maintaining freshness, including simple household hacks and care techniques that really work from founder, Jo Lambell.
Expert Tips on Keeping Your Sunflowers Fresh
1. Fresh water and a clean vase – Before placing your sunflowers in a vase, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned. This removes any bacteria that could cause early wilting. Change the water every two days, using fresh, room-temperature water to keep your flowers hydrated and healthy.
2. Trim stems at a 45-degree angle – Cutting sunflower stems at a 45-degree angle increases the surface area for water absorption, which helps keep them hydrated longer. Re-trim the stems every couple of days to maintain good water uptake.
3. Use flower food or household alternatives – Most bouquets come with flower food, which helps nourish your sunflowers and keeps the water clean. If you don’t have flower food on hand, you can create your own with household ingredients like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or a little sugar to provide nutrients.
4. Keep sunflowers away from fruits – Fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up the wilting process. To maximise the life of your sunflowers, avoid placing them near fruit bowls or ripening produce.
5. Add a drop of alcohol – Adding a small amount of vodka or gin to the vase water can help reduce ethylene gas buildup. This gas causes flowers to age faster, so a little alcohol slows down this process, helping your sunflowers stay fresher longer.
6. Use a copper penny – Dropping an old copper penny into the vase water acts as a natural fungicide, helping prevent bacterial growth and keeping your sunflowers vibrant and healthy.
7. Keep sunflowers cool – Sunflowers last longer in cooler temperatures. Avoid placing your bouquet near heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight, which can cause premature wilting.
8. Remove submerged leaves – Any leaves below the water line can rot and promote bacterial growth, which shortens your flowers’ lifespan. Remove these leaves promptly to keep the water clean and your sunflowers fresh.
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