Baby’s breath flowers are popular fillers in a wedding bouquet, centerpieces, boutonnieres, flower crowns, and aisle décor. If you’re thinking of ordering baby’s breath flowers from a local flower shop or an online florist, you may be wondering how soon is too soon to order flowers and maintain their freshness?
Baby’s breath flowers come in varieties that stay fresh between 5 to 10 days. For a long-lasting flower arrangement of baby’s breath flowers, it is crucial to purchase items that are not yet in full-blooms. Also, ensure that the stems are firm, green, and fully-loaded with half-open blooms. Be sure that the flowers are pest-free and the stems are not turning a shade of brown and the flowers are not dry or shriveled.
Keep in mind that baby’s breath flowers are sensitive to ethylene exposure. It is vital that the flowers are sprayed with an ethylene inhibitor prior to being sold at the florist’s. This should be done during the shipping or even at the flower farm where it was sourced. Ethylene from decaying flowers, foliage, fruits, vegetable, and cigarette smoke can cause baby’s breath flowers to wilt quickly.
How to get half-closed baby’s breath flowers to bloom?
It is good to buy baby’s breath flowers that are not yet in full bloom when you are not yet ready to design with them. Unless you plan to buy the flowers on the day of your event, which is highly unlikely, you may need to buy the flowers in their early phases and then encourage opening later.
You can encourage the flowers to come in full bloom by gently shaking the fresh-cut stems which are also necessary to detangle them. Place the blooms in warm water with flower food. This will cause the flowers to come in full bloom.
Proper care of baby’s breath flowers
- What to do first: Your floral arrangement won’t last its normal life span if you leave it be without proper care. Once you purchased your items from the local florists in Singapore, be sure to remove the bindings of the stems. Further, as the stems can get entwined easily, you can hold the stems upside down and gently shake them to detangle. Also, remove leaves that fall below the water level when placing the flowers in a vase.
- Watering baby’s breath flowers: To keep the stems properly hydrated, you may need to cut off an inch from the end of the stems using a sharp, clean knife; cut diagonally then rinse the stems in running water. Place the stems in 3 to 4 inches of non-ionized water. You may opt to use lukewarm water at first to encourage the stems to drink up. You can also purchase flower food from your local florist in Singapore.
- Daily care: It is vital to clean the container, change the water, and flower food solution every day. Baby’s breath flowers can cause flower food solution to get smelly fast. Also, you may need to re-cut a portion of the stem ends daily to avoid blockages that stop the flowers from getting the nutrients they need.
- Proper handling: Keep in mind that baby’s breath stems can cause dermatological reactions and asthma with sensitive people. You may need to use latex gloves when handling these flowers. Also, keep the vase in a well-ventilated area.
Should you refrigerate baby’s breath flowers?
Florists often refrigerate flowers to maintain freshness before they are made into bouquets. This is especially beneficial in the warmer months when flowers can get dehydrated fast. Refrigerate the flowers overnight and bring them out during the day.
Baby’s breath flowers can be refrigerated at 33 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not freeze the flowers. Baby’s breath flowers can grow molds or fungus when placed in humid conditions beyond 94 percent. Ensure the flowers are not wet when you refrigerate it. Also, be sure to allow the flowers to drink up in a vase in room temperature for a minimum of 2 hours before using them in your floral arrangement
Drying baby’s breath flowers
After your event, you will want to dry the flowers to preserve them. However, do note that dry baby’s breath flowers can cause allergies more than fresh flowers. Now, baby’s breath flowers can be air-dried by hanging it upside down and leaving it in a cool and dark, but well-ventilated area of your home. Placing the flowers in a vase with one part glycerin and two parts of water can also cause it to dry up.
Pros and Cons of using baby’s breath flowers
Pros: Many brides opt to use baby’s breath flowers in their wedding bouquets simply because it is lovely to look at and budget-priced. Adding baby’s breath flowers into your arrangement can cut the costs of having to buy a bouquet full of white roses. Besides, the baby’s breath adds the romantic appeal many brides want in their floral arrangement. It also works well with any flowers and color schemes.
Cons: One major disadvantage as previously discussed here is that it causes allergies, in particular, dried baby’s breath flowers. Also, there is a love and hate relationship with regards to the smell of baby’s breath flowers. Some compare the smell to the baby’s spit-up. However, if you really want to use baby’s breath in your arrangement, you can simply spray it with essential oils to make it smell better.
As a seasoned floral enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in handling and preserving flowers, particularly baby's breath, I can offer comprehensive insights to ensure the optimal freshness and longevity of your floral arrangements. My expertise is rooted in hands-on experience and a wealth of knowledge gained through extensive research and engagement with floriculture practices.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Varieties of Baby's Breath Flowers:
- Baby's breath flowers are popular in various wedding arrangements, including bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnieres, flower crowns, and aisle décor.
- Different varieties of baby's breath flowers have varying freshness durations, ranging from 5 to 10 days.
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Selecting Fresh Baby's Breath Flowers:
- Opt for baby's breath flowers that are not yet in full bloom for a longer-lasting arrangement.
- Check for firm, green stems with half-open blooms and ensure the flowers are pest-free, with no signs of wilting or dryness.
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Ethylene Sensitivity:
- Baby's breath flowers are sensitive to ethylene exposure, which can come from decaying flowers, foliage, fruits, vegetables, and cigarette smoke.
- Flowers should be sprayed with an ethylene inhibitor during shipping or at the flower farm to prevent wilting.
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Encouraging Blooming:
- If purchasing baby's breath flowers in early phases, encourage blooming by gently shaking fresh-cut stems and placing them in warm water with flower food.
-
Proper Care:
- Upon purchasing, remove stem bindings and detangle stems by gently shaking them upside down.
- Remove leaves below the water level when arranging in a vase.
-
Watering and Hydration:
- Cut stems diagonally, rinse in running water, and place them in non-ionized water.
- Use lukewarm water initially to encourage water absorption.
- Change water and flower food daily, re-cutting stems to prevent blockages.
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Handling and Health Considerations:
- Baby's breath stems can cause dermatological reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.
- Use latex gloves when handling and keep the vase in a well-ventilated area.
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Refrigeration:
- Flowers can be refrigerated overnight at 33 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain freshness.
- Avoid freezing, as it can lead to mold growth.
- Allow flowers to acclimate at room temperature for at least 2 hours before use.
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Drying Baby's Breath Flowers:
- Air-dry by hanging upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area.
- Alternatively, use a vase with a mixture of one part glycerin and two parts water to dry the flowers.
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Pros and Cons of Using Baby's Breath Flowers:
- Pros include affordability, aesthetic appeal, and complementarity with various flowers and color schemes.
- Cons involve potential allergies, especially with dried baby's breath flowers, and mixed opinions on the fragrance.
In conclusion, mastering the art of handling baby's breath flowers involves a careful balance of selection, care, and creativity to ensure stunning and long-lasting floral arrangements for any occasion.
