Flower Bouquet | Making It Last

Whether for yourself or to offer, a flower vase filled with a beautiful bouquet is always welcome. Keeping the flowers from wilting as long as possible is what we all try to do. In this article I will show you how to keep your flowers much longer.

In this case you have the privilege of planting your favorite flowers and to choose the ones that will end up in a bouquet. It is best to pick them early in the morning when the stems are still full of sap. Never collect flowers in the hot sun, or when it rains. Cut them cleanly, with strong scissors, right above a leaf or a ramification. Depending on flowers they are picked at different blooming stages.

Roses and peonies should be cut while budding.

Lilies, irises, tulips, daffodils and gladiolas are picked just before their prime.

Chrysanthemums and anthuriums should be cut when fully open as they cannot open once picked.

You don’t have the pleasure of picking your own flowers, but you have access to a greater choice by visiting your florist. Choose flowers that are in season, they will always be more beautiful than those that traveled from the end of the world in refrigerated containers. Choose a couple of small bunches in different colors (two or three should do). Choosing flowers of one single color, can make an elegant bouquet.

For a florist green is not a color, it is the basis for a bouquet. You can play on the shades of green to enhance your bouquet. Dark greens will accentuate the color of your flowers, a silver green will illuminate them.

Think about the style that you want to impart to your bouquet.

A pewter vase or a basket is suitable for a rustic effect.

Crystal or glass for a classic look.

A pitcher is romantic. 

You can also appropriate other old objects, as do shabby chic enthusiasts, like old soup terrines, or a simple glass, a tea box or a watering can.

There you are, all ready with a superb bouquet, everything in place, perfect  colors, and the realization that it will not last. Here are a few tricks to make it last a little longer.

Cut the stem on an angle, preferably under water, with scissors or a sharp non serrated knife. Then split the end in two. Repeat this about twice or three times a week.

When you are cutting the stem, take the time to clean the vase with hot water. Then fill it with tepid water up to ⅔ of the way. Remove the lower leaves that were immersed in water to keep the water clean.

If you have some handy, add a few drops of 7UP, or soda with sugar and citric acid. (Sugar helps feed the flowers and citric acid eliminates bacteria.) You can also buy some packets of preservatives at the florist, a more practical solution as it will keep you from having to change the water.

Using aspirin, vinegar or copper coins in the water are just old wives tales and you can skip it, it really does nothing for your flowers.

Keep your bouquet away from a heat source or drafts.