Discover the secrets of flower longevity from our expert Horticultural Director, Greg Dunn. Whether you’re a seasoned florist or a fresh creative on the rise, this guide is packed with insights that will keep your blooms thriving and your customers delighted.
Greg’s Go-To Secrets for Freshness That Lasts
At Freeda, we know that premium flowers deserve premium care. Greg Dunn has spent his career perfecting techniques to preserve beauty, vibrancy, and structure with flowers, because nothing says luxury like a bouquet that lasts.
1. Hydration is Everything
The moment your blooms arrive, it’s all about water. Use clean, cool water with a professional grade floral preservative. Greg recommends recutting stems at a sharp angle and removing leaves below the waterline to prevent bacteria build-up.
2. Cool It (But Not Too Much)
Store your flowers in a cool, controlled environment but don’t freeze them out! Between 4–7°C is the sweet spot. Keep them away from fruit (which releases ethylene) and direct sunlight to extend their life.
3. Work With Freshness in Mind
Design with intention. Choose flowers that complement each other in terms of shelf life. Pair hardy varieties like alstroemeria and solidago with more delicate ones like lisianthus to ensure the bouquet looks good for longer.
4. Invest in Quality Products
While Freeda focuses exclusively on high-end, exclusive blooms, we recommend New Zealand florists invest in quality care tools like hydration wraps, professional-grade floral preservatives, and clean buckets for stem prep. These essentials are readily available from local floral supply stores and will go a long way in maintaining the life and beauty of your blooms.
5. Handle With Care (Always)
Gentle handling is the key to longevity. Support stems during transport and use soft touch tools. Every bruise or bend reduces vase life, so treat each stem like the hero it is.
6. The Power of a Clean Workspace
Bacteria is your worst enemy. Keep all buckets, tools, and work surfaces meticulously clean. Even a little grime can dramatically reduce the lifespan of your flowers. Greg suggests using a bleach-based solution (diluted, of course) to regularly disinfect your space.
7. Don’t Overcrowd Your Stems
Give your flowers room to breathe. Overcrowding can lead to bruising, moisture build up, and decreased airflow factors that shorten vase life. Use fewer stems per bucket and rotate arrangements daily to ensure even hydration.
8. Time Your Flower Conditioning
Conditioning flowers overnight before arranging can make a huge difference. After hydrating and trimming, let them sit in clean, cool water in a dark room for at least 6–8 hours to regain strength before styling.
Freeda, Your Source for Innovation and Inspiration
Freeda isn’t just about selling flowers, we’re about supporting florists with the best the flower industry has to offer. From exclusive varieties to behind-the-scenes access to experts like Greg, we’re redefining what’s possible in floristry.
In today’s competitive floral market, it’s not enough to arrange, you want to elevate. And that starts with knowledge, access, and a little bit of floral magic.
Connect with us today to explore innovative floral solutions and discover blooms that last as beautifully as they look.
