by Diana DeVito | Jun 20, 2012 | DIY Flowers: How To Tutorials, Flower Care | 31 comments
When you get wholesale flowers delivered to your home or business you need to take appropriate care of them the ensure a long vase life. A good rule of thumb for storing wholesale flowers for an event is to get them 2 days before the event. This strategy is best because it gives the flowers time to rehydrate after they have been in transit and out of water for 2 days. Getting the flowers into their prime requires a little bit of work.
1. Prepare Buckets. You need to make sure all of your buckets are free of chemical residue, previous flower residue, or dirt. Previous flower residue produces bacteria from decay in the water that will clog the stems of flowers. This will not allow the proper flow of water into the stems and will shorten the vase life of the flowers. Rinse the buckets with dish soap then rinse well with water and dry before adding warm water for flowers. There is no need to use bleach or any other harsh chemicals. Dish soap will do the job and get rid of harmful bacteria and dirt. *Stay away from metal buckets if possible, metals can mix with floral preservative and harm flowers, use a liner if you must use metal buckets and preservatives.
2. Cut the Stems. Re-cut the Stems. Cut the stems on a diagonal under warm water. This is important because it will force open the bottom of the stem and prevent bacteria build-up by creating a seal against bubbles, allowing it to absorb more water. Warm water is always better than cold water when it comes to hydrating flowers. Warm water moves faster and therefore promotes the flow of water, forcing the water into flower stems! Coldwater moves more slowly and does not get soaked up by the flower at the right pace. Cut the stems every two days. Remember to use floral sheers or a very sharp knife! Scissors can fray and damage stems making it difficult for water to get to the flower bud.
3. Remove Bottom Leaves and Foliage. Bottom leaves and foliage need to be removed. When leaves and foliage touch the water and start to deteriorate they release bacteria that will clog the stems of the flowers. In order to give the flowers a long vase life, make sure all leaves and foliage are not in the water.
4. Change the Water. The water needs to be changed with each time you cut the stems. New water has more oxygen since the flowers already used up the previous water’s oxygen. Each time you change the water add a little floral preservative.
5. Alternatives to Floral Preservatives. People are constantly asking if they have to buy floral preservative. The truth is, it depends on how long you want the flowers to last. If it is for a wedding 2 days away then not really, a little sprite in the water will do (carbonation, sugar, and citric base are similar to what you find in floral preservative). If you are looking for your flowers to be on your table for 8 days then I would suggest some floral preservative.
Stay tuned for more Floral 101 tips that will really help you get the most out of your fresh cut flowers. Whether for a wedding or event it is the first step to learn how to store wholesale flowers before an event!.
Diana DeVito
Diana has crafted hundreds of flower recipes and floral-design tutorials for Blooms By The Box to the delight of its customers. A skilled and vibrant designer, Diana helps Blooms Brides make their wedding flower dreams come true, no matter what the budget. Her original tutorials appear on many popular wedding sites, including A Practical Wedding,Elizabeth Anne Designs, and many more!
31 Comments
Nanon September 10, 2016 at 6:10 am
Thanks for the information. I am planning my daughters wedding and will be doing the table center pieces myself
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Ann Austinon July 10, 2017 at 7:52 am
Doing granddaughters center pieces for baby shower, going to dye half.
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Emily Davison July 10, 2017 at 11:05 am
Hi Ann! That sounds great! Let us know if you have any questions. We are happy to help!!
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Jessicaon July 12, 2017 at 6:31 pm
We just received two bunches of long stem roses. I know we cut the bottoms but should we pull off any dead leaves or just leave them bunched up until we are ready to arrange? We aren’t making wedding arrangements for 4 more days?
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Emily Davison July 13, 2017 at 8:29 am
Hi Jessica! Yes, you should cut all the stems and place them in water to rehydrate. You can remove the foliage (leaves). Make sure to keep the water cold to keep the roses as fresh as possible for as long as possible. Hope this helps!
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Maryon July 24, 2017 at 12:19 pm
We are receiving long stem roses on Wednesday for a wedding on Saturday night. After reading the instructions above it says cut under warm water and place in warm water so the water will flow faster. But then I just read above to keep the water cold, which is it? We will have roses and baby’s breath. Please help!!!
ThanksReply
Danielle K. Gonzalezon July 24, 2017 at 12:28 pm
See AlsoMeaning Behind The Number Of Roses - Flowers and KissesHow to Give A Single Rose: Rules Of PresentingWhat Color Rose For First Date? - Little Flower HutRose Symbolism: What You Need To Know Before Buying Roses » FloraQueen ENHi Mary! So most of our customers order flowers 2 days before the event date, that’s why we usually advise them to use warm water so the flowers bloom in time. However, since you’ll need to preserve your flowers for a few days, I would recommend that you use cool water to keep them fresh. If they aren’t blooming by Friday, then you can add warm water. Hope this helps!
Below is a link to a blog post all about caring for roses!
https://www.bloomsbythebox.com/blog/flower-care/how-to-care-for-roses/Reply
Maryon July 24, 2017 at 12:34 pm
Thank you so much!
Deniseon July 17, 2017 at 4:24 pm
How about leaving them out in an AC home , what temp
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Emily Davison July 18, 2017 at 8:35 am
Hi Denise! Yes, you can store the flowers in an air conditioned room. You can keep the AC at 60 degree. Hope this helps!
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Sitirian Elco*ckon August 8, 2017 at 2:35 pm
How many stem flowers would you suggest to place into a bucket?
Approximately. what should be the temperature of the warm water?
At wedding, can we use regular tap cold water in the vases?
We will receive our flowers 2 days prior to wedding event. To my understanding we should on day one: (1) cut stems under warm running water; (2) Place flowers into buckets w/ warm water; (3) remove any leaves in contact with water; (4) place buckets in cool place,AC, but away from direct sunlight and air vents (drafts); and (5) do not add any flower preservative. On day 2: (1) recut stems under warm running water; and (2) change old water with fresh warm water.Reply
Kerry Planteon August 8, 2017 at 2:55 pm
Hi, Sitirian! The amount of stems that will fit in a bucket depends on the size of the bucket and the types of flowers/greens you order. For example, a 5 gallon bucket will hold about 40-50 stems of roses, or about 20 hydrangeas. The temperature of the water should be about 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to extend the vase life of your flowers and greens as much as possible, stay closer to 60 degrees. If you’d like the flowers to open up faster, lean more towards 90 degrees. Floral preservative/food never hurts, but isn’t 100% necessary, and cool tap water will be perfect for the wedding! It sounds like you’ve got a great handle on what you should do when you receive your order! Feel free to reach out to us at service@bloomsbythebox.com if you have any other questions!
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Judyon October 17, 2017 at 12:20 pm
I’m using calla lilies for a bouquet. How do I take care of them till I arrange them? Is it the same as roses? Judy
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Emily Davison October 17, 2017 at 2:25 pm
Hi Judy! Calla lilies are very easy to take care of! Once you receive them, cut their stems about 1-2 inches in length and keep them in buckets or vases of water to rehydrate. You can keep them in a cool and dry location. Usually a garage or basem*nt are the best places to store your flowers until you arrange them. Hope this helps!!
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Genelleon October 20, 2017 at 4:20 pm
I am also using calla lilies for simple bridal bouquets. Can I make them a day in advance and put them back in water? I’ve read that they can seep and to use clear nail polish on the cut ends. Will this harm the flowers over the course of a long day of pictures, ceremony, etc?
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Emily Davison October 25, 2017 at 10:17 am
Hi Genelle! After making the bouquets, I do recommend placing them in water to help keep them as fresh as possible for the event the following day. I do not recommend using nail polish near the flower stems as it may harm then and reduce their overall vase life! I hope this helps!!
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Genelleon November 8, 2017 at 2:04 pm
Ok! No nail polish, got it. But, should I be concerned about the flowers oozing on the dresses? How much time will they last out of the water? I planned on having a vase fpr the bouquets at the wedding so, they can be returned to water after the day of pictures and when the ceremony is over. Am I overthinking it?!
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Emily Davison November 9, 2017 at 4:11 pm
Hi Genelle! No, you shouldn’t worry about the flowers oozing on dresses. They should be perfectly fine. I think you are in great shape! As long as you leave the flowers in water, they will be in great condition for the photos the next day!
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Richardon February 13, 2018 at 5:25 pm
We have a wedding on Saturday (Feb. 17th) and will be receiving 300 roses on Wednesday (Feb. 14th). The roses were shipped FedEx from Bogota, CO on Feb. 10th. Will they be okay for the wedding on Feb. 17th and how should I care for them until then? Please help!!
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Richardon February 13, 2018 at 5:28 pm
I forgot to mention that I also have a sub-zero refrigerator. Is it okay to store the roses in the sub-zero, and if yes, is there a certain temperature I should set the sub-zero at?
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Emily Davison February 14, 2018 at 9:21 am
Hi Richard! Do not put the flowers in a fridge unless it is a floral cooler. Fridges are usually kept at much colder temperatures than floral coolers. Also bacteria from food can decrease the vase life of flowers if food is also kept there. I would recommend to keep your flowers in buckets of water in a room that is kept at a cool temperature and make sure to keep them in a dry location away from direct sunlight. I hope this helps!
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Emily Davison February 14, 2018 at 9:25 am
Hi Richard! When you receive your flowers, remove them from their boxes as soon as possible! They may look sleepy, but don’t panic! That is normal! Cut their stems about 1-2 inches and place them in buckets of water to rehydrate. You will notice that they will begin to perk up and continue to bloom fully. Once they are rehydrated, you can remove their guard petals (outer petals that may look damaged). Your roses were shipped well before their prime so they when they arrive to you, and once properly rehydrated, they will be in great condition! Let us know if you have any other questions!
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Carynon March 22, 2018 at 10:35 am
My wedding is on July 7th and no one can deliver on July 4th or July 5th due to the holiday, so would you recommend delivery on July 3rd or July 6th?
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Emily Davison March 22, 2018 at 11:16 am
Hi Caryn! I would suggest that the 6th will be the better date to receive your flowers as they will be much more fresh than if delivered to you on the 3rd. You can place them flowers in warm water to rehydrate which will help to speed up the blooming process! I hope this helps!
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Pratik Waghdhareon May 24, 2018 at 6:24 am
Very nice tips for storing flowers. It is very useful in summer days thanks for sharing it.
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Emily Davison June 6, 2018 at 2:08 pm
Hi Pratik! Thank you for the kind words!
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Kira Wetzelon June 25, 2018 at 3:55 pm
What is the best way to store corsages and boutonnieres? If I make them the day before the wedding, what is the best way to transport them and keep them fresh?
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Emily Davison July 30, 2018 at 3:42 pm
Hi Kira! Once the corsages and boutonnieres are made, you can always store them in plastic containers such as this. You can then sotre them in a cooler. When transporting them, keep them in that container until you are ready to use.
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Trungtampccc.comon August 11, 2018 at 6:44 am
Hi every one, here every person is sharing these kinds of know-how,
therefore it’s good to read this weblog, and I used to visit this blog everyday.Reply
Katherine Tymouson June 12, 2021 at 6:30 pm
Hello,my daughter and I are going to open a small flower shop when we order our flowers how long do you recommend the refrigerated life of daisies, carnations,lilies any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks
Reply
Tina Merolaon June 14, 2021 at 12:37 pm
Hi Katherine, Each flower has a specific vase life, as seen on our website. If storing in a floral cooler with the correct humidity and temperature, you can expect extra days for the floral life.
Reply
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As an expert in floral care and DIY flower arrangements, I can assure you that the information provided in the article by Diana DeVito is valuable and practical for anyone handling wholesale flowers for events, such as weddings. The tips and techniques mentioned demonstrate a deep understanding of how to properly care for flowers to ensure a long vase life and optimal freshness.
Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:
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Timing of Flower Delivery:
- It is recommended to get wholesale flowers delivered two days before the event. This allows the flowers time to rehydrate after transit and be in optimal condition for the event.
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Preparing Buckets:
- Buckets used to store flowers should be free of chemical residue, previous flower residue, or dirt. Cleaning them with dish soap and warm water is sufficient. Metal buckets should be avoided if possible, as metals can mix with floral preservatives and harm flowers.
-
Cutting and Re-cutting Stems:
- Stems should be cut on a diagonal under warm water. This helps open the bottom of the stem, preventing bacterial build-up. Using floral shears or a sharp knife is recommended. Stems should be recut every two days.
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Removing Bottom Leaves and Foliage:
- Leaves and foliage touching the water can release bacteria, clogging the stems. To extend vase life, remove any leaves and foliage that may be in contact with the water.
-
Changing Water:
- Water should be changed every time stems are cut. Fresh water has more oxygen, and adding a floral preservative helps nourish the flowers.
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Floral Preservatives:
- Floral preservatives can extend the vase life of flowers. The article suggests alternatives like carbonated drinks (e.g., Sprite) for short-term use and recommends floral preservatives for longer durations.
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Temperature and Storage:
- Warm water is preferred for hydrating flowers, as it promotes faster water absorption. However, for extended storage, cool water is recommended. Flowers should be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight and drafts.
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Reader Interaction:
- The comments section reflects engagement from readers seeking advice for specific scenarios, such as centerpieces for weddings or caring for specific flowers like calla lilies. The expert responses provide practical guidance based on the specific needs of the readers.
In conclusion, Diana DeVito's article covers essential aspects of handling wholesale flowers, providing valuable insights for individuals looking to create stunning and long-lasting floral arrangements for various events.
