Florist’s Guide to Keeping Flowers Fresh in the Summer Heat
Warm weather may bring sunshine and blooms, but it also shortens the lifespan of your cut flowers. Here’s how to keep your bouquets looking beautiful longer, even when the temperatures rise.
1. Hydration Is Everything
Tip: Flowers are thirsty—especially in summer.
Trim the stems at an angle under water when you first get them (and every 2-3 days). This prevents air from blocking water uptake.
Use room temperature water unless the blooms are from bulbs (like tulips or daffodils), in which case, use cool water.
Refresh the water daily, especially in hot conditions—it can become a breeding ground for bacteria fast.
2. Keep It Cool
Tip: Avoid placing arrangements near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
Ideal placement: Near a fan (not directly in its path), in a shaded part of the room.
Avoid: Sunny windowsills, next to electronics, or atop warm appliances like refrigerators.
Bonus: Pop them in the fridge overnight (if you have space). This trick can add days to their lifespan.
3. Remove Leaves Below the Water Line
Tip: Any foliage submerged in water will rot quickly, promoting bacterial growth.
Strip leaves and small buds off the lower part of the stems to keep water clean and clear.
4. Use Flower Food—Or Make Your Own
Tip: Florist packets aren’t just marketing fluff—they actually work.
No packet? Mix your own:
1 quart water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon bleach
This combo feeds the flowers and keeps bacteria at bay.
5. Handle Heat-Stressed Flowers With Care
Tip: If flowers look droopy after delivery or time outside, revive them.
Cut the stems and place them in deep, cool water for a few hours in a cool room.
For roses, submerge the whole flower (head and all) in lukewarm water to perk them up.
6. Avoid Ethylene Gas Sources
Tip: Ethylene gas from fruit speeds up wilting.
Keep flowers away from ripening produce, especially bananas and apples.
Avoid placing them near cigarette smoke or exhaust fumes as well.
7. Choose Heat-Hardy Flowers
Some blooms naturally last longer in the heat:
Tropicals: Orchids, birds of paradise, anthuriums
Classics: Zinnias, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, carnations
Herbs: Eucalyptus and lavender are not only fragrant but sturdy
8. Clean Vases = Happy Flowers
Tip: Before reusing any vase, scrub it with hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Residual bacteria can sabotage even the freshest bouquet.
Bonus: Outdoor Floral Displays
If decorating with flowers outdoors:
Use floral foam soaked in cool water and keep it shaded.
Mist the blooms frequently with water.
Arrange displays as close to event time as possible.
Final Florist tips
Think of flowers like you’d think of a delicate summer cocktail—cool, fresh, and happiest away from direct sun. A little extra care goes a long way when the temps rise.
