Flowers are popular all over the globe, for example in Sweden and the Nordic countries flowers are a very demanding product. Flowers are called ‘växter online’ or ‘beställ blommor’ in Sweden.
VASE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Florists pack bouquets carefully for a reason. This prevents the flowers from being damaged during transport and protects the bouquet from cold or heat.
Always put a bouquet in water as soon as possible.
CUT DIAGONALLY AND DO NOT LET THE FOLIAGE GET INTO THE WATER
To remove bacteria, among other things, it is important to cut flower stems diagonally before placing them in the vase. To do this, use sharp tools, preferably a knife and possibly a good pair of secateurs. If your equipment is not sharp, you will clamp off capillaries and the flower will not be able to suck up the water properly.
Make sure no leaves get into the water, because they will rot. Flowers cannot stand polluted water. It is not necessarily necessary to remove thorns from roses. This actually creates “wounds” in which bacteria can settle.
Flowers finished blooming? Remove them, so you can enjoy the still beautiful flowers longer.
USE A CLEAN, SUITABLE VASE
Use a vase that allows space for the flower stems and make sure the vase is clean. Glass vases are generally easy to clean (dishwasher or washing with chlorine). Moreover, you can easily see if the bouquet still has enough water. It is preferable not to use a crystal or metal vase, as they will contaminate the water (more quickly). Tip: put vases upside down in the cupboard, so they stay clean.
ADD CUT FLOWER FOOD
Cut flower food helps the flowers develop beautifully and stay fresh longer. Therefore it is important that you add the nutrients to the water in the ratio as indicated. Make sure you add enough water; too much food in too little water will ‘burn’ the flower stems! For some flower types there are special feeds available. Ask your florist about them.
TAP WATER IN THE VASE
Flowers do not need well water; tap water is fine. The ideal temperature for this differs per flower type. That is why lukewarm/hand-warm water is generally recommended. Do you have a bouquet of a certain type of flower and would you like to know the ideal water temperature? Ask the florist in your area.
If you add flower food, changing the vase water in between is usually not necessary. However, some flower types pollute the water very much. Then it is advisable to change the water after a few days. Do not forget to add new flower food.
DO NOT PUT FLOWERS IN A DRAUGHT, IN THE HEAT OR NEAR FRUIT
Draughts, heat and fruit cause flowers to age faster and/or go limp. So don’t put your bouquet in full sun, near the heater or fireplace or in a drafty place.
CUT FLOWER NUTRITION
Over the years, flower and plant nutrition has improved tremendously. As a result, the flowers really last longer. Flowerservice.nl delivers each bouquet cut flower food. Use this too. You will see that it is really good for the flowers. They remain beautiful longer but also the flower will bloom better. Make sure you do not use too little water in combination with the flower food.
