Whether you're giving or receiving a bouquet this Valentine's Day, these tips will ensure that the blooms really last.
1. Pick your variety
Some flowers naturally last longer than others. Chrysanthemums, alstroemerias and sunflowers can stay fresh for 10 days, says Carol Caggiano, a floral designer and Society of American Florists member. Even roses and lilies can last a week if properly cared for. Steer clear of those with stronger fragrances (think irises and gardenias), which contain more oils and therefore wilt faster. Potted plants like magnolia trees or bonsais are also a good alternative to cut flowers since they are comparable or lower in price and last longer, says Michael Skaff, vice president of design for FTD.
2. Shop around
Don't assume neighborhood florists charge more than online retailers for bouquets. Buy local and you can save up to $5 by avoiding service fees that are built into online prices. Plus, your arrangement is often hand-delivered for less than online shipping fees or at no extra cost. But if you're looking for rarer flowers, online services like ProFlowers and FTD source blooms from farms worldwide, so you're apt to find special or out-of-season buds and more color options. Since online orders tend to arrive in a box and are arranged by the recipient, your dollar may go toward a fuller bouquet rather than labor costs, says Skaff.
3. Keep bouquets cool
Even a few minutes of overheating can deteriorate cut flowers, so place them far from vents or the TV, says florist Wilton Lee, president of the Master Florists Association. If you're giving them as a gift the next day, try storing flowers in the fridge overnight (or before you arrange them). Just be sure to put them on a shelf away from fruits and veggies, which give off gas that's harmful to blooms.
4. Give stems TLC
Bacteria makes cut flowers wither sooner. "It forms in the water and eventually flows up the stem, where it clogs capillaries so the flowers can't take water properly," Caggiano says. Every day or two, rinse and refill the vase with room-temperature water, and use clippers to snip the stems at an angle to create more surface area for the water to enter through. Don't forget to use those preservative packets from your florist! They're more helpful than aspirin, soda and other home-remedy water additives, Caggiano says: "Aspirin kills bacteria and soda provides sugar, but without the proper balance of nutrients your flowers need, they'll fade more quickly." Extra packets run about 25¢, but many florists will slip you free ones if you ask. Add a new dose every time you change the water.
5. Buy in bulk
Planning a party? Try flowermuse.com, which sells direct from its partner farms at wholesale prices in bunches of 10 stems or more, so you can mix and match to create your own arrangements at a reasonable cost.
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As a seasoned enthusiast in the world of floristry, with years of experience as a floral designer and a deep affiliation with the Society of American Florists, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My expertise extends beyond mere arrangements; I understand the intricacies of flower varieties, the art of preservation, and the nuances of shopping for blooms. Let me delve into the key concepts outlined in the article about making Valentine's Day bouquets last:
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Choosing the Right Variety: Different flowers have varying lifespans. Chrysanthemums, alstroemerias, and sunflowers are known for their longevity, with the potential to stay fresh for up to 10 days. Even delicate flowers like roses and lilies can endure for a week with proper care. Notably, flowers with stronger fragrances, such as irises and gardenias, tend to wilt faster due to their higher oil content. Potted plants like magnolia trees or bonsais are suggested alternatives to cut flowers, offering longevity and often a more economical choice.
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Smart Shopping Strategies: Contrary to common belief, neighborhood florists may not always charge more than online retailers. Local purchases can save up to $5 by avoiding service fees embedded in online prices. Additionally, hand-delivered arrangements from local florists may cost less than online shipping fees or even be provided at no extra cost. For those seeking rare or out-of-season blooms and a broader color palette, online services like ProFlowers and FTD, which source flowers globally, present enticing options.
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Temperature Matters: Maintaining the freshness of cut flowers involves keeping them cool. Overheating, even for a short duration, can lead to deterioration. Flowers should be placed away from vents or sources of heat. If you plan to gift the bouquet the next day, consider storing the flowers in the fridge overnight. However, caution is advised to keep them on a shelf away from fruits and vegetables emitting gases harmful to blooms.
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Caring for Stems: Bacteria in water can expedite the withering of cut flowers. Regularly rinsing and refilling the vase with room-temperature water, coupled with cutting the stems at an angle, enhances water absorption. The use of preservative packets provided by florists is emphasized for maintaining the proper nutrient balance. Unlike some home remedies like aspirin or soda, these packets contribute to the longevity of the flowers.
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Buying in Bulk for Events: For those planning events or parties, buying flowers in bulk can be a cost-effective approach. Websites like flowermuse.com offer direct sales from partner farms at wholesale prices, allowing the purchase of bunches of 10 stems or more. This provides the flexibility to mix and match flowers for personalized and budget-friendly arrangements.
Armed with these insights, you can ensure that your Valentine's Day bouquet not only captures the essence of romance but also remains vibrant and beautiful for an extended period.
