How to care for your fresh flowers

When your flowers arrive they will need a little tender loving care. So we have put together a few hints and tips to help you care for your flowers to ensure they stay fresher for longer. Here's how to keep your flowers happy and healthy for as long as possible.

For all flowers here are some general tips:

• Cut your stems at an angle, taking one inch from the bottom of the stem with a sharp pair of scissors


• Ensure the vase is clean and any leaves below the waterline are removed


• Add the flower food provided unless advised otherwise


• Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, heat and drafts


• Do not place flowers near fresh fruit

Roses:
When your roses arrive they will be thirsty and will require a good drink to brighten up, with proper care your roses should bloom over the next 3 to 4 days and last between 4 to 7 days.

• Remove all the water sachets from the bottom of the flower stems


• Gently remove any rugged outer petals which may have been left on to protect the flowers during their journey


• Cut the stems at an angle taking approximately 1 inch off the bottom, it is best to do this under water and with a sharp pair of scissors


• Remove any leaves that fall below the waterline of the vase as this encourages growth of unhealthy bacteria


• Take a large clean vase and fill it with tepid water as this is easier for the flowers to absorb


• Add the flower food provided as per the instructions on the sachet


• Keep your roses in a cool place away from direct sunlight, heat and drafts


• Do not place flowers near fruit


• Re-cut your stems and change your water after 3 days


• 3 days after delivery remove any loose outer petals to keep the roses looking fresh

Lilies:

• Your lilies should arrive in buds and will bloom over the next 3 to 4 days after arrival


• Cut your stems on an angle with a sharp pair of scissors


• Add the flower food provided to your water


• Lilies prefer to be in well-lit areas


• To keep the pollen from staining clothes or furniture remove the stamen once the lily has opened


• Use tape to remove any pollen that gets onto clothes

Gerberas:

• Your Gerberas will arrive wired to help them remain straighter for longer


• Cut your stems on an angle with a sharp pair of scissors


• Add the flower food provided to your water


• Gerberas are sensitive to dirty water so we recommend changing the water and re-cutting the stems after 3 days.


• Gerberas only require a small amount of water to avoid water logging which will weaken the stems (approximately 5cms deep is sufficient) 

Tulips:

• Tulips have a tendency to arc, particularly towards light. For a straighter stem, leave the sleeve on the tulip for the first 8 to 12 hours to provide support while the flowers drink plenty of water.


• Cut your stems on an angle with a sharp pair of scissors


• Tulips prefer dirty water and don't like flower food


• Tulips continue to grow after they have been cut

Irises:

• Your irises should arrive in buds, and should bloom over the next 1 to 2 days.


• Cut your stems on an angle with a sharp pair of scissors


• Add the flower food provided to your water


• Change their water daily

Tropical Flowers (such as Anthuriums & Orchids):

• Tropical flowers should be kept in warm conditions. Do not expose them to extreme cold.


• Tropical flowers can last up to 3 weeks if they are kept in the right conditions.


• Cut your stems on an angle with a sharp pair of scissors


• Add the flower food provided to your water


• Keep their water topped up