Summer is the season of big, bold sunflowers. We love to use sunflowers this time of year because not only are they seasonal, but they add character and color to any room they are in. Our favorite thing about sunflowers is that they are low maintenance. However, low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. We have compiled a list of tips to keep cut sunflowers healthy and blooming for as long as possible.
How to Keep Cut Sunflowers Looking Their Best
Trim the Stems
Once you are ready to move your sunflowers to a vase, trim the stems. After sunflowers have been picked, the stems immediately start to dry out, so unless the stems have been kept in water, the stems need to be trimmed. When trimming the stems, be sure to use a sharp knife at an angle so the water vessels in the stem are unharmed.
Pro-tip, cutting stems underwater can prevent air bubbles from forming, but don’t leave them in your water solution for too long!
Give Them Nourishment
Cut sunflowers need nourishment, so add some flower food to the water before adding sunflowers to the vase.
If you don’t have any on hand, making flower food is surprisingly easy! All you need are these simple ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. of lemon or lime juice
- 1 tbsp. of sugar per quart of water
- ½ tbsp. Of bleach to delay mold and bacteria growth
Pro-tip, when mixing your solution, ensure the water is warm so the sugar dissolves easily.
Change the Water Solution Frequently
It’s best to change the water solution every 2-3 days. However, if the solution appears murky at any time, it is time to change the water solution.
Pro-tip, when changing the water solution for your sunflowers, remove the flowers and clean the vase before adding the new solution.
Keep Them Away from Heat
This one seems a bit paradoxical, but leaving your cut sunflowers in direct sunlight can cause them to wilt faster. This is because the sunlight creates heat which dehydrates the flowers.
Pro-tip, when choosing an area to display your sunflower arrangement, avoid placing it by any vents. Cold air is just damaging as hot air.
Bring On the Sunflowers
Sunflowers are beautiful and easy-to-care-for flowers, even after they’ve been cut and vased, that can add a touch of sunshine to any room. By following these tips, you can help your cut sunflowers thrive and bloom for weeks to come.