Useful Tips

​How to Choose the Best High Quality Cut Flowers

When you buy a lovely bunch of colorful flowers, you want them to last as long as possible. Here’s how to select the freshest flowers and extend their life once you get them home.

There’s nothing nicer than having a lovely bunch of vividly colored cut flowers to brighten up your home. But the joy these flowers bring can be short-lived if they only survive in your home for a few days.

When selecting the freshest and highest quality cut flowers, there are certain trade secrets that you should be aware of to lengthen the lifespan of these blooms. Below are some tips to help you identify the best quality flowers and keep them alive longer.

Take A Close Look At The Flower Petals

When selecting flowers, it’s far better to buy those with buds that haven’t opened yet rather than those already fully open. The buds will continue to open when you keep the flowers in a vase with water.

Never buy flowers whose petals are faded, transparent, or starting to brown along the edges. This usually means that the flowers are near the end of their life and won’t last very long.

When selecting roses, gently squeeze the rosebud at the base of the petals where it meets the stem. If this part is soft, then the roses are not fresh. However, if it feels firm, you can be assured that the roses are fresh and will last for some time in a vase.

Remember to look inside the blooms and make sure there is no loose pollen or seeds visible. If there are, it indicates that the flowers were cut when they were past their prime.

You also want to ensure that the flower buds are not glistening with droplets of water on them, especially if you’re buying roses. Any water on the buds or petals will quickly rot the blooms.

The only exceptions are hydrangeas and peonies. Hydrangea blooms will thrive when occasionally dunked in water. Likewise, stubborn peony buds will open after being briefly submerged.

Expert Tip: Move your fingers across the undersides of the petals. If you hear a faint rustling sound, then you can be assured that the flowers are fresh.

Inspect The Stems Closely

You want to select flowers with strong, green stems that are not drooping or slimy. Look very closely at the stems to see if there’s any discoloration. This could indicate the presence of bacteria, which means that the stems are starting to break down.

Furthermore, the stems should not be broken or show any signs of rot.

Look At Any Leaves That Are Still Present On The Stems

You should always choose flowers that have healthy, green leaves without any discoloration. If the leaves are looking a little speckled, it could indicate that bacteria are present.

Furthermore, don’t buy flowers that have leaves with holes in them as this indicates that the flowers had been attacked by insects while they were growing. This will shorten the lifespan of your flowers.

Be sure also to inspect the sepals and calyx. This section is just below the flower petals and is often made up of several small green leaf structures. Make sure this is firm, green, and healthy.

How To Keep Your Flowers Fresh After You Get Them Home

There are several things you can do once you get your flowers home to ensure that they’re going to last for the longest possible time. Consider these tips:

  • Make sure you put your flowers into the water as soon as you get home. Use cool water and add some flower food or a teaspoon of sugar.
  • Remove any lower leaves that are going to be below the waterline. These will begin to rot, which will eventually spread to the rest of the flower.
  • Cut the stems immediately before you place each flower into the water. Use either floral shears, sharp secateurs, or a very sharp knife so that you don’t squash the stem. This additional cut will open up the stem so that it can absorb the water from the vase. Bear in mind that you only have about 10 seconds after cutting before the stem closes up again.
  • Change the water in the vase every day or at least every couple of days. This eliminates any bacteria that may damage the flowers. Remember to add some flower food or a teaspoon of sugar to the water. Re-cut the ends of the stems again before placing them in the vase.
  • Make sure that you keep your flowers out of direct sunlight as this will quickly fade the blooms. Also, keep away from drafts and vents.
  • Keep the flowers away from any fruit that you have in your home. This is because ripening fruit produces an ethylene gas that is detrimental to flowers.

By following these tips, you should now know exactly how to select the best high-quality cut flowers as well as how to keep them alive for as long as possible.