Keep sunflowers fresh for longer with easy 3 second task

They recommend re-cutting the stems of your sunflowers and placing them in a fresh holding solution every two days. It’s also suggested to cut the stems underwater to stop air bubbles from entering the stem’s vascular system.

It’s vital to keep the stems submerged while you empty your vase, clean it, and refill it with fresh holding solution.

Afterwards, the flowers can be returned to the vase and topped up with fresh holding solution as and when needed.

An additional tip to keep your sunflowers looking their best is to avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near drafts, both of which can dehydrate the flowers and cause them to wilt quickly.

If you find yourself without holding solution, worry not, as your blooms can still thrive in fresh water.

A nifty expert tip for those with a green thumb is to make your own holding solution in three easy steps. All you need is a floral preservative that contains sucrose for energy, an acidifying agent to help balance the pH level and boost hydration, plus an antimicrobial agent to fend off bacterial growth that could clog the stems. Simply follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when mixing the solution. A point to note: skimping on dosage won’t extend vase life much, while overdoing it can harm your flowers.

Eflorist’s flower expert, David Denyer, has also pitched in with his advice for keeping cut sunflowers vibrant for an extended period. David says: “Sunflowers are thirsty flowers, so make sure the vase is filled with fresh water. Keep the water level high enough to cover the stems, but avoid submerging the flower heads themselves. Change the water every day or every other day to prevent bacterial growth, which can shorten the life of your flowers.”

For those looking for the perfect spot for your sunny blooms, location is key for optimal longevity. While it might be tempting to pop your sunflower on the windowsill to directly bask in the sunlight, this can lead to the flowers overheating rapidly.

According to David, sunflowers thrive best in a cool area of your home. He advises: “To maximise the lifespan of your cut sunflowers, keep them in a cool spot, away from direct heat sources such as radiators or sunny windowsills. Extreme heat can make them wilt faster; instead, choose a cool, well-ventilated area to keep them happy for longer.”

Alex Biggart from 123 Flowers has also doled out essential advice for keeping sunflowers vibrant in vases during the summer. Emphasising on the importance of proper care for sunflowers to extend their beauty and longevity, Alex shares: “Sunflowers are one of the most iconic family favourites and many of us choose them to add colour to our homes and gardens.”

He added: “And with a few simple tips, you can really make the most out of this beautiful species as a cut flower and keep them in top shape. The number one tip is to keep the water in the vase extremely fresh and change it every day as murky water makes sunflowers rot.”

Alex further suggests “When you take your sunflowers home, the first thing to do is cut the stems at an angle with sharp pruners to ensure they take in plenty of fresh water and avoid sitting on stagnant water. Put them in a clean vase with tepid water as cold water can take longer to absorb, and use a floral preservative regularly to give them a boost.”