Sunflowers are the epitome of a happy bloom — they're like a bright dose of sunshine that truly make a lasting impression. But what happens when these precious blooms lose their light and become droopy? Knowing how to make the most of your sunflowers in a vase is vital to ensure they stay a happy bloom for as long as possible.
They flower during the summer and into the autumn, making them a popular choice right now. You can even learn how to grow sunflowers and then, at the end of the growing season, cut them and bring them indoors and save the seeds for next season — they're like the gift that keeps on giving!
"Sunflowers are renowned for their strength," says Simon Barker, founder and editor of GrowYourYard.com. So what is the best way to take care of sunflowers in a vase? Here's what florists and gardening experts have to say about it.
How to take care of sunflowers in a vase
Whether you're learning about growing sunflowers, or you want to understand more about sunflower care for those blooms you've picked gracefully and placed into your home — we've got you covered with tips and tricks from the experts.
Here are 5 ways to take care of your sunflowers in a vase.
1. Trim the stems
Sunflower care is about understanding what works well for your sun-loving blooms and what does not. These precious yellow buds love a bit of TLC and to do exactly that, you'll need the right pruning tools to revive these buds in your vase.
"Cut the thick stems at an angle with sharp pruners," suggests florist Sue Fogwell. A sharp cut ensures that you don't pinch the water-conducting vessels in the stem of the flower.
"This allows the flowers to take in as much water as possible, and ensures they don't sit on any stagnant water which can cause them to rot," adds Simon Barker from GrowYourYard.com.
2. Add tepid water to your vase
Proper watering practices will help your blooms flourish for longer, and that includes using the right temperature for your flowers.
Sue tells us: "Once you're home, immediately place the flowers in a vase of tepid to cool water that has been prepped with a floral preservative".
Warm water is more quickly absorbed by flowers than cold water, so will help ensure your sunflowers don't wilt.
3. Change the water
Sunflowers are one of the best plants for full sun. They thrive in light when planted outdoors and also find a sense of happiness in it. They also love to be watered indoors and outdoors! But for sunflowers in vases you'll need to replace the water it sits in every other day — remember, cleanliness is key.
"Change the water every other day — more often if the water turns murky," suggests Nancy White, floral designer and owner of The Flower Bar in Larchmont, NY. "Clean the vase before refilling with new water to remove any bacteria." Other florists suggest changing the water every day.
"Trim the stems daily at an angle along with giving the flowers fresh water," adds Sue Fogwell, "plus fresh preservative, too."
4. Add sugar and lemon to the vase
For bright flowers that bloom in the summer, sunflowers will not let you down.
Another method you can use to take care of your blooms in a vase is by mixing sugar and lemon into the vase with water. This will, in turn, help save your cheerful buds and allow them to last longer indoors.
"Add sugar and lemon into the vase to keep the sunflowers looking fresh and blooming," suggests Jason White, the CEO of All About Gardening.
"One teaspoon of sugar to two tablespoons of lemon juice or one tablespoon of vinegar would make a good enough mixture. This will delay your cut sunflowers from wilting fast."
5. Place out of direct sunlight
As well as being a great source of decor and brightness in your home, sunflowers are one of the best flowers for pots in full sun — so you can add a bit of color and cheer into your backyard, too!
But when placing your flowers in a vase, you'll need to place it in an area where there isn't too much direct sun. "Place your sunflowers vase in an area where direct sunlight can’t reach it," adds Jason. "Unlike planted sunflowers, cut sunflowers don’t like as much sun exposure."
You should also avoid placing sunflowers near heat sources, or in cool drafts, like from air conditioning.
FAQs
How long do sunflowers last in a vase?
With proper care and attention, sunflowers should last a good week in a vase. However, the overall range will be between five days and two weeks.
Why are my sunflowers drooping in the vase?
In a vase, sunflowers will commonly droop or wilt if they're lacking in water.
To remedy, change the water, give them a quick trim at an angle and add in some sugar and lemon, or floral preservative, into lukewarm water. This should get them back to looking their best in no time.
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