Learn how to care for sunflowers in a vase with these top tips for florists and gardeners
A sunflower is like a little bit of sunshine, but droopy, sad flowers won’t make your home feel good. This is why you need to know how to take care of sunflowers in a vase after you get them from the store or the garden.
These flowers bloom in the summer and into the fall, making them a popular choice this time of year. They look great in cozy, country rooms, but their bright shapes and colors have made them more popular in modern, stylish homes as well. Plus, theyre available in abundance right now.
So far this year, the heat waves have been good for sunflowers, which makes sense since they are known for being strong, says Simon Barker, co-founder and editor at GrowYourYard. com.
If you bring them home, how do you make sure they always look their best? Here, florists and gardeners share their best advice.
Hugh has worked as a homes and property reporter for many years and writes for Livingetc. about a wide range of topics, from home design and trend ideas to useful tips. For this article, Hugh spoke to florists and gardeners to get their top tips for sunflower care.
With their bright, cheery faces and tall, strong stems, fresh-cut sunflowers make stunning additions to summer flower arrangements However, sunflowers are notorious for having a relatively short vase life compared to other popular cut flowers Wilting, drooping heads, and blemished petals can cut your enjoyment short.
Luckily, there are several tricks you can use to extend the lifespan of cut sunflowers Follow these 10 tips to keep your bouquets looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible
1. Harvest at the Right Stage
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Choose sunflower heads that have fully opened and matured on the plant
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Avoid harvesting flowers that are not fully developed or starting to decline.
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Look for crisp, unwilted petals without brown edges or spots.
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Snip the stems early in the morning when they contain the most water.
2. Use a Sharp Blade
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Always cut sunflower stems with a very sharp blade like gardening shears or a knife.
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Jagged cuts made by dull tools will block water uptake, causing premature wilting.
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Make cuts at a 45-degree angle to maximize the water-conducting surface area.
3. Submerge Stems in Cool Water
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After harvesting, immediately place sunflower stems in a bucket of cool water.
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Let them fully rehydrate for several hours before arranging in a vase.
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Soaking allows stems to take up as much water as possible.
4. Remove Excess Foliage
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Strip away all leaves from the lower portion of the stem that will sit in water.
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Leaves below the waterline will decay, blocking stems from absorbing water properly.
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Some leaves can be left higher up the stem for aesthetic purposes.
5. Recut Stems
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Before moving sunflowers to a vase, recut each stem by 1-2 inches while underwater.
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This opens pathways for fresh water uptake.
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Cut at an angle to maximize exposed surface area.
6. Use Clean Vases
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Arrange sunflowers in a thoroughly cleaned vase to prevent bacteria growth.
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Wash vases in hot, soapy water between bouquets.
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Consider using filtered or distilled water for ultra cleanliness.
7. Add Floral Preservatives
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Mixing floral preservatives into the vase water can prolong freshness.
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Look for packets formulated for cut flowers. Follow instructions carefully.
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Replace water and reapply preservatives every 2-3 days.
8. Display Out of Direct Sunlight
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Position your sunflower arrangement away from direct sun exposure.
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The heat and ultraviolet rays will accelerate wilting and fading.
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Indirect natural light or interior artificial light works best.
9. Maintain Proper Temperature
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Avoid hot spots near heat vents or appliances that may wilt flowers faster.
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Keep arrangements away from drafts of cold air from exterior doors or windows.
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Ideal display temperature is around 65-75°F.
10. Change the Water Frequently
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Replacing vase water every 2-3 days is a must.
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Stale water promotes bacterial blocks in stems and accelerates decline.
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Recutting the stems and adding more floral preservative each time you change water helps maximize hydration and nutrients.
Proper post-harvest care is crucial for enjoying sunflowers the longest in arrangements. But some varieties naturally last longer than others:
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Sunburst – Classic bright yellow with excellent vase life. Large 4-6 inch blooms.
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Sunrich Orange – Vibrant bi-color orange petals. Stays fresh over 2 weeks.
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Moulin Rouge – Elegant dark red petals. Holds up well indoors.
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Chocolate Cherry – Unique chocolate-burgundy flowers. Very long-lasting.
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Pro Cut Bicolor – Yellow-tipped chocolate petals. Bred for cut flowers.
Follow these tips to extend the vase life of your favorite sunflower varieties. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh bouquets for up to two weeks or more!
Change the water
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.
If you want to keep the flowers fresh, Sue Fogwell says to cut the stems at an angle every day and give them fresh water.
Trim the stems
Cut the thick stems at an angle with sharp pruners, suggests florist Sue Fogwell. A sharp cut ensures that you dont 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 dont sit on any stagnant water which can cause them to rot, adds Simon from GrowYourYard.com.
How to keep Sunflowers fresh by Poppy & Honey Flower Shop BKK
FAQ
How to keep sunflowers alive longer?
How long will sunflowers last in a vase?
Why are my sunflowers drooping in the vase?
How to prepare sunflowers for a vase?
How do you make sunflowers last a long time?
To ensure you have the longest lasting flowers, always purchase freshly cut sunflowers, or grow your own in a cut flower garden, and get them into water as soon as possible. Here’s how you can ensure they last as long as possible. 1. Trim the stems ‘Cut the thick stems at an angle with sharp pruners,’ suggests florist Sue Fogwell.
How long do sunflowers last in a vase?
With proper care, cut sunflowers can last anywhere from seven to ten days in a vase. Just remember to change the water every other day and trim the stems as needed. Can adding sugar to the water help revive sunflowers? Yes! Adding sugar to the water can help sunflowers stay hydrated for longer periods of time.
How do you keep Cut Sunflowers fresh?
Cut sunflowers still need water requirements to stay fresh. To change the water, simply empty out the old water and replace it with fresh, clean water. Be sure to use a clean vase as well. This will keep the cut suflowers fresh and stay alive in the vase for as long as possible. 4. Add Sugar and Lemon to the Vase
How do you keep sunflowers alive in a vase?
Here’s what to do: Fill the vase with fresh water and add a small amount of flower food. This will help keep your sunflowers nourished and looking fresh. Cutting the stems of the sunflowers at an angle helps them absorb water more easily, which is crucial for their survival in a vase.