Ennis 10 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Bouquet!

Flowers are a beautiful way to brighten up any space, but their beauty is often fleeting. If you’ve ever received a stunning bouquet from Ennis, you know how heartbreaking it can be to watch it wilt too soon. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to extend the life of your bouquet and keep it looking fresh for days, or even weeks, longer. Here are Ennis’ top 10 tips to help you preserve your flowers and enjoy their beauty for as long as possible.

1. Trim the Stems Regularly

One of the most important steps in keeping your bouquet fresh is trimming the stems. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife to cut about an inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, which can block water uptake. Repeat this every two to three days for best results.

2. Change the Water Frequently

Fresh, clean water is essential for keeping your flowers hydrated and healthy. Change the water in your vase every two days to prevent bacteria from building up. When changing the water, rinse the vase thoroughly to remove any residue that could harm your flowers.

3. Use Flower Food

Most bouquets come with a small packet of flower food. This magical powder contains nutrients and antibacterial agents that help keep your flowers fresh. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packet and mix it with the right amount of water. If you run out of flower food, you can make a DIY version using a teaspoon of sugar, a few drops of bleach, and a teaspoon of lemon juice.

4. Keep Flowers Away from Heat and Direct Sunlight

While flowers love light, direct sunlight and heat can cause them to wilt faster. Place your bouquet in a cool, shaded spot away from radiators, heaters, and windows that receive direct sunlight. This will help maintain their freshness and vibrant colors.

5. Remove Wilting Flowers and Leaves

As flowers age, some may start to wilt before others. Remove these wilting blooms and any yellowing leaves as soon as you notice them. This prevents ethylene gas, which is released by dying flowers, from affecting the rest of the bouquet.

6. Mist Your Flowers

Some flowers, like roses and hydrangeas, thrive in humid environments. Lightly misting your bouquet with water can help keep them hydrated and looking fresh. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much moisture can lead to mold growth.

7. Avoid Placing Flowers Near Fruit

Fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes release ethylene gas as they ripen, which can cause flowers to age prematurely. Keep your bouquet away from fruit bowls or kitchen counters where fruit is stored to extend its lifespan.

8. Use a Clean Vase

Before placing your bouquet in a vase, make sure the vase is clean. Bacteria from previous bouquets can linger and harm your new flowers. Wash the vase with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly before adding fresh water and your bouquet.

9. Rehydrate Wilting Flowers

If your flowers start to droop, don’t give up on them just yet. Submerge the entire bouquet in a basin of cool water for 30 minutes to an hour. This can help rehydrate the flowers and revive their appearance. Afterward, trim the stems and place them back in fresh water.

10. Store Flowers in the Fridge Overnight

If you want to extend the life of your bouquet even further, consider storing it in the fridge overnight. The cool temperature slows down the aging process and keeps the flowers fresh. Just make sure to keep them away from fruits and vegetables to avoid ethylene exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often should I change the water in my vase?
A1: You should change the water every two days to keep it fresh and free of bacteria.

Q2: Can I use homemade flower food?
A2: Yes, you can make DIY flower food using sugar, bleach, and lemon juice to provide nutrients and prevent bacterial growth.

Q3: Why should I avoid placing flowers near fruit?
A3: Fruits release ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to wilt and age faster.

Q4: How can I revive wilting flowers?
A4: Submerge the flowers in cool water for 30 minutes to an hour, then trim the stems and place them back in fresh water.

Summary

Extending the life of your bouquet doesn’t have to be complicated. By following Ennis’ 10 simple tips—such as trimming stems, changing water regularly, using flower food, and keeping flowers away from heat and fruit—you can enjoy your beautiful blooms for much longer. With a little care and attention, your bouquet will continue to brighten your space and bring joy for days or even weeks to come.