Flower Care & Preparation
Receiving Farm Direct Flowers
Our flowers are shipped fresh directly from our partner farms. Receiving farm direct flowers is different than receiving flowers from a grocer or florist. Depending on the type of flower, extra leaves/foliage, thorns, guard petals, anthers, etc., can be removed. Following the important care and preparation steps below will help ensure the quality and extend the vase life of your flowers for as long as possible. Most flowers require the same general care. However, there are a few that need special attention. Please continue to the General Flower Care section if you do not see your flower type listed below.
Following Floral Care Tips
Flowers may arrive looking “sleepy” or “thirsty.” This is NORMAL. Proper hydration is the key to beautiful blooms. Please follow the care tips to get your flowers into tip-top shape. We always recommend that you care for your flowers immediately upon arrival. Many of these flowers have just completed an international journey and need water. We can’t stress enough! There’s no need to be alarmed. Your flowers need time to hydrate for their big debut. You will learn to care for the flowers just like a professional florist!
General Flower Care
#1 | Receive
Grab clean containers and fill with at least 4 inches of fresh, cool water. If you have flower food mix in the water. If you do not have flower food, it is available on our site. Open your boxes and inspect your flowers. Remove flowers from the box by cutting any straps. Remove floral packaging from the stems and bunches.
#2 | Process
Remove any foliage from the flowers that falls below the waterline of your vase. In removing foliage, care should be taken not to damage the stem. Proceed to cut stems diagonally using sharp scissors or a knife, approximately one inch from the stem’s bottom edge. Immediately after cutting, place the stems in the prepared water.
#3 | Maintain
Allow flowers at least 4 hours to hydrate well. Most flowers will take up to 8 to 12 hours to properly hydrate. Keep flowers in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight, drafts or excessive heat. Change water every 24 hours and re-cut stems every 24 to 48 hours to keep flowers fresh. Assure that your flowers have sufficient water. The flowers will drink an exceptionally large amount of water upon arrival.
*** Special flower care may be required for specific flower types.
Storing Your Flowers
Flowers need time to hydrate
Remember that exposing flowers to warm environments (outside, a hot room, sunlight, etc.) will help the flowers bloom. Storing your flowers in a cooler environment will slow down the opening process. Most flowers should be kept in a cool, dark location unless you are trying to speed up the blooming process. Always avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Also, keep flowers away from fruits, vegetables, and plants that produce ethylene gas. Ethylene in the surrounding area causes wilting.
