How Long Do Fresh Flowers Last?
Blooms symbolize love, beauty, and nature. They have been used on multiple occasions, from parties, and weddings to funerals, for various expressions. Flowers bring comfort and joy to many individuals. However, as much as we love them, they won't last forever. The question often asked by many people is, how long do fresh flowers last?
Let's look at the factors contributing to flowers' freshness and the conducive conditions to make them last longer.
Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Fresh Flowers
Flowers are arguably among nature's most beautiful creations. They are widely adored and used for multiple purposes, like decoration, gifting, or expressions of emotions (especially of love). Nonetheless, their blossoming is temporary, and they’ll eventually wilt and die. Flowers’ lifespan can vary depending on multiple factors, including the type of flower, the environment they are kept in, and how they are handled.
Some of the major factors that affect the lifespan of fresh flowers are;
Type of Flower
The type of flower plays a vital role in determining its lifespan. Some flowers, such as carnations, roses, and chrysanthemums, ideally have a longer lifespan than other flowers like daffodils, lilies, and tulips. The main reason behind this is that some flowers are considered more delicate than others because they are prone to droop and wilt faster. Moreover, some flowers have a higher water intake, meaning they instantly need to be placed in water after being cut to last longer.
Water
Water is critical to the lifetime of fresh flowers. When you cut a flower, it loses its primary source of water, and therefore, it is vital to place them in water immediately for survival. In this case, the water should be clean and fresh, almost resembling the previous source. In addition, the container or vase holding the flowers should be regularly washed to prevent the growth of bacteria. Blooms should also be placed in a vase with adequate water to ensure they are fully submerged. This will help the flowers absorb water and increase their lifespan.
Temperature
Temperature is also very significant in the lifespan of fresh flowers. Blooms are known to thrive in cool temperatures. Therefore, keeping them in a cool room, i.e., away from direct sunlight or heat, is recommended. Exposing freshly cut flowers to heat or sunlight can cause them to wilt and dry out faster. Therefore, keeping them away from radiators or any other heat sources is advisable.
Humidity
Humidity also affects how long fresh flowers would last. Ideally, a dry environment can trigger flowers to dry out faster and wilt. It’s recommended to place a bowl of water near the flowers or use a humidifier to maintain the right level of humidity. This will help keep the flowers hydrated and increase their lifespan.
Handling
Proper handling of flowers is important in increasing their lifespan. Flowers are delicate and should be handled gently and carefully. Rough handling can damage their petals and stems, causing the flowers to wilt faster. Holding flowers by the stem and avoiding touching the petals when handling them is advisable. Furthermore, trimming the stems at an angle before placing them in water to increase their water intake is recommended.
Freshness
The freshness of the flowers also affects their lifespan. Freshly cut flowers tend to last longer than older flowers. Therefore, buying flowers from a reputable florist or growing them in a garden is best. This ensures that the flowers are always fresh and haven’t been in transit for an extended period.
Conducive Conditions for Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers are an excellent way to brighten up any room and introduce a touch of natural beauty to your living area. Nonetheless, ensuring that your blooms remain fresh and vibrant for an extended period requires some care and attention.
Some of the conducive conditions that’ll sustain fresh flowers include;
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Clean Vase
A clean vase is important for the longevity of fresh flowers. Bacteria can quickly build up in dirty vases, causing the stems to clog and the flowers to wilt. To ensure that your flowers live longer, always use a clean vase. Always wash it thoroughly between uses.
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Fresh Water
Fresh flowers need fresh water to survive. Changing the water every two to three days is vital to maintain freshness. While at it, ensure you wash the vase or container thoroughly. In addition, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to ensure the flowers can continue absorbing water.
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Flower Food
Flower food or preservatives contain the necessary nutrients, such as sugar, acid, and bleach, that flowers need to stay alive. Adding flower food to the water can help you extend the fresh flowers’ lifespan by up to 50%. Flower food is accessible from most florists or garden centers, and following the instructions is crucial.
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Proper Placement
The placement of fresh flowers affects their longevity. Flowers should ideally be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as it can cause them to dry out quickly. It's also essential to keep flowers away from fruits and vegetables. The latter can release ethylene gas, which causes flowers to age faster.
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Regular Trimming
Regular trimming of the stems can also extend the fresh flowers’ lasting time. Cut about an inch off the bottom of the stem every two to three days at a 45-degree angle. This will help to ensure that the bottom stem edge remains fresh and can continue to absorb water and nutrients.
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Avoid Crowding
Crowding flowers in a vase can also cause them to age faster. It's crucial to give each flower enough space to breathe and grow. When arranging flowers in a vase, leave enough space between each stem to allow air to circulate freely.
The lifespan of fresh flowers depends on multiple factors, with each having a significant impact on the lifespan of the blooms. It's important to consider proper measures to ensure your flowers last longer. This will guarantee the blooms' beauty for an extended period as you enjoy their benefits. You can always visit BloomingBox for all your floral needs, as they have stacked up multiple flower options.
