How to keep your flowers looking their best in this heat

Tips for Keeping Bouquets and Fresh Flowers Fresh in Hot Weather Conditions

As the sun shines brightly and temperatures rise during hot weather conditions, our beloved bouquets and fresh flowers can quickly wither and lose their beauty. However, with a little extra care and attention, you can ensure that your floral arrangements stay vibrant and fresh for longer. In this blog post, we will share seven essential tips to help you keep your bouquets and fresh flowers looking their best, even in scorching hot weather conditions.

Water is the key: One of the most critical factors in maintaining the freshness of flowers is ensuring they have an adequate water supply. Start by using a clean vase or container and fill it with fresh, cool water. Add floral preservative to the water, which can be obtained from florists or can be made at home using a mixture of sugar, lemon juice, and bleach. Change the water every two days to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the flowers have enough hydration.

Avoid excessive handling: Handling flowers too frequently can cause damage and increase the chances of bruising or wilting. Limit the amount of touching and rearranging of the bouquet to prevent unnecessary stress on the flowers.

Avoid extreme temperature changes: Rapid temperature changes can shock the flowers and cause wilting. If you're bringing flowers indoors from an outdoor hot environment, allow them to acclimate gradually by placing them in a cooler room for a few hours before displaying them in a more central location.

Avoid fruits and ripening produce: Keep your flowers away from ripening fruits and vegetables, as they release ethylene gas, which accelerates the aging process of flowers. Ethylene can cause petals to wilt prematurely and shorten the life of your bouquet.

Avoid overcrowding: Give each flower enough space to breathe and spread out. Overcrowding can lead to increased moisture retention and the growth of bacteria. Arrange your flowers with enough room between each stem to promote air circulation.

Choose heat-tolerant flowers: When selecting flowers for hot weather conditions, opt for varieties that are naturally more resistant to heat and have a longer vase life. Some examples of heat-tolerant flowers include sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, and gerbera daisies.

Cool and shady placement: Choose a cool and shady spot in your home or office to display your flowers. Avoid placing them near direct sunlight, heating vents, or drafts. Excessive heat can cause the flowers to wilt quickly, while drafts can speed up dehydration. A cooler environment helps to prolong their lifespan.

Create a floral oasis: If you're planning an outdoor event or gathering during hot weather, create a floral oasis by placing your arrangements in containers filled with a mixture of water and floral gel beads. These beads can absorb and release water gradually, providing a constant source of hydration for the flowers.

Floral Fibre: If you're arranging flowers in floral fibre, soak the brick in water with floral preservative before use. This ensures that the flowers have an ample water source and helps them stay hydrated for longer.

Flower preservation techniques: If you have a special bouquet or want to preserve the beauty of certain flowers, consider drying or pressing them. These techniques allow you to enjoy the blooms long after they've withered and can be a great way to preserve memories.

Mist and hydrate: During hot weather, mist the flowers and foliage with water using a spray bottle once or twice a day. This provides additional moisture and helps to maintain humidity around the blooms. Be cautious not to mist too much, as excessive moisture can lead to fungal growth.

Professional floral delivery: If you're sending or receiving flowers during hot weather, consider using a professional flower delivery service. They often have specialized packaging and transportation methods to ensure the flowers arrive fresh and in optimal condition.

Protective wrapping: When transporting flowers during hot weather, protect them from direct sunlight and excessive heat by wrapping them loosely in damp paper towels or newspaper. This can help maintain moisture and shield them from dehydration.

Refresh and rejuvenate: To keep your bouquet looking fresh, remove any wilted or faded flowers promptly. The presence of decaying flowers can speed up the deterioration of other blooms. Additionally, trim the stems slightly every two to three days to allow better water absorption.

Rehydrate wilted blooms: If you notice that certain flowers have wilted due to the heat, you can revive them by submerging the entire stem in a basin of cool water for an hour or two. This rehydrates the blooms and restores their vitality.

Trim and strip: Before arranging your flowers, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears. This ensures maximum water absorption. Remove any leaves or foliage that would be submerged in water as they can create bacteria and accelerate the decay process.

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Remember, providing proper care and attention to your bouquets and fresh flowers is crucial to extending their lifespan, especially in hot weather conditions. By implementing these additional tips, you can enjoy the beauty of your blooms for an extended period, adding a touch of freshness and vibrancy to any environment.

Now enjoy the sunshine!

Much love

Nic x