Caring for Fresh-Cut Flowers

Receiving a bouquet or flower arrangement is a very special gift. At Allen’s Flower Market of Long Beach, we use the freshest flowers possible to ensure that the beauty of that arrangement or bouquet lasts as long as it can. However, there are also things you can do to help extend their life even longer.

In fact, they could be around up to five or seven days longer with these tips provided by the Society of American Florists.

Flower Arrangement Care

• Keep the vase filled with fresh water.
• Use the flower food provided as this helps limit bacterial growth, provides nutrition, and balances the pH. Always follow the directions on the package.
• Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a knife or scissors.
• Keep the flowers in a cool sport and out of the direct sunlight as well as away from ceiling fans, appliances, or vents as these could dehydrate the flowers.

Care for Loose Bunches of Flowers

If you purchase loose bunches of flowers from our Long Beach flower shop, you can also follow similar directions for flower arrangement care. Always choose those flowers that have firm petals and those with buds that are just about to open. Don’t take any with drooping leaves.

Other Things to Know

Every flower has their own life expectancy so some will last longer than others. Ask our flower shop team as they can provide recommendations on putting certain flowers together to keep a uniform look to the flowers over time.

If you have any flowers that you are using that have woody stems or branches, you will need to use pruning shears to cut the stems.

Tips from our Floral Team

Our floral team can offer you additional advice when you order in-store whether it is a custom flower arrangement or multiple arrangements for a party or event. They have been working for flowers for years and know what works the best to bring out their beauty for as long as possible.

Of course, it helps that we work with premier flower farms and growers that offer the best quality, freshest flowers possible so that the care you do will have a greater impact. Because we always hand arrange and hand deliver our flower arrangements, you can be assured that they will arrive in the best shape possible to help them last longer.

Caring for Fresh Cut Flowers

While we have done our utmost to start with the freshest flowers and hand arrange them not to mention hand deliver them for you, which can already add days to your flowers and flower arrangements, there is still more that you can do to make them last a week or so longer when you care for fresh cut flowers properly.

The flower care tips included here can be found on our website as well as through the Society of American Florists.

Fresh Cut Flower Arrangement Care Tips

To maintain that vibrant flower arrangement you received from a loved one, there are a few simple steps you can take to extend its life:

• Use the flower food that comes with the flower arrangement. This provides the proper amount of nutrients to keep feeding the flowers. The flower food also balances the pH and reduces the chances of bacterial growth. Be sure to follow the direction on the flower food packet by mixing it with a pint or quart of water.
• Change the water regularly to maintain clear and fresh water. In warmer months, the water will go down quickly so also check on simply topping it up.
• Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches of the stem with scissors. This will also help keep them as fresh as possible.
• Keep the flower arrangement in a cool location that is out of direct sunlight and away from any cooling vents, ceiling fans, or appliances. Any drafts will dehydrate the flowers.

Fresh Cut, Loose Flowers

You may come into our shop in Long Beach and take advantage of one of our cash and carry options available for loose bunches of fresh cut flowers that you can then arrange at home the way you like. Here are some specific care tips for loose bunches of flowers:

• Keep the flowers in a cool place while you are preparing a vase for them.
• Be sure to use a deep vase that has been washed out with detergent or antibacterial solution.
• Follow the directions on mixing the water and flower food together.
• Remove any leaves that will be below the water line as this will reduce bacterial growth and not take away from the water that the flower needs.
• Cut the stems by removing one to two inches. If you select any that have woody stems, you may need to use pruning shears to cut them.
• Add flower food and water mixture and place the flowers in the vase.
• Follow the directions above about regularly changing the water and placing the flowers in a cool, non-drafty environment.