Ask the Florist: Your Burning Flower Questions Answered
Flowers! They brighten our homes, celebrate milestones, offer comfort, and speak volumes when words fall short. Their beauty is undeniable, yet they can sometimes feel a bit mysterious. How long should they last? What’s the secret to keeping them vibrant? Are those color meanings real? As florists, we hear these questions and many more every day. It seems everyone has a curiosity about these natural wonders, born from a desire to make the most of their fleeting beauty or choose the perfect bloom for the right moment.
This resource aims to answer common flower care, selection, and gifting questions, providing clear, practical advice from experienced florists. It aims to demystify flower care, selection, and gifting, empowering users to enjoy flowers more, whether they’re receiving a stunning bouquet or choosing one for someone special. This is a direct line to a florist’s brain.
- How long should my fresh-cut flowers really last?
This is probably the most frequent question, and the honest answer is: it varies! Several factors come into play. The type of flower is a big one – delicate blooms like sweet peas might only last 3-5 days, while hardier ones like chrysanthemums or carnations can look great for two weeks or even longer with proper care. The freshness when you receive them is crucial (something reputable florists prioritize). How they were handled before reaching you matters, too. And, of course, how you care for them at home plays a huge role. Generally, though, a well-cared-for mixed bouquet should give you enjoyment for about 5 to 10 days, with some individual flowers potentially lasting longer.
2. What is the secret to making cut flowers last longer?
While there’s no single magic trick, a combination of simple steps makes a world of difference.
- Start Clean: Always use a thoroughly cleaned vase. Bacteria are the enemy of fresh flowers, clogging stems and preventing water uptake. A quick scrub with soap and water does wonders.
- Fresh Water Daily: Flowers are thirsty! Replace the water every day or at least every other day. Use cool, fresh water.
- Use the Flower Food: That little packet that comes with your bouquet isn’t just for show. It contains sugar (food for the blooms), an acidifier (helps water uptake), and a biocide (kills bacteria). Use it according to the instructions. If you run out, a tiny drop of bleach (just a drop!) in the water can help inhibit bacteria, though proper flower food is best.
- Trim the Stems: Upon arrival, and every time you change the water, give the stems a fresh cut. Use sharp scissors or shears (not dull kitchen scissors that can crush the stem) and cut about an inch off at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and removes any clogged ends.
- Location, Location, Location: Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, heating vents, cooling drafts, and ripening fruit (fruit releases ethylene gas, which speeds up aging). A cool spot is ideal.
- Remove Fading Blooms: Gently pull out any flowers or leaves that are starting to wilt or die. They can encourage mould and decay, affecting the healthier blooms.
3. Do different flower colours actually mean different things?
Yes, traditionally, they do! This practice, known as floriography (the language of flowers), was super popular in Victorian times. While we don’t rely on it as strictly today, the symbolism is still widely recognized and can add a lovely layer of meaning to your gift. Some common associations include:
- Red: Passion, deep love, romance (think red roses)
- Pink: Gentleness, admiration, gratitude, grace, joy
- Yellow: Friendship, happiness, new beginnings (sometimes jealousy, historically, but mostly positive now)
- White: Purity, innocence, sympathy, remembrance, humility
- Orange: Enthusiasm, energy, warmth, excitement
- Purple: Royalty, luxury, success, admiration, dignity
- Blue: Tranquillity, peace, openness (often signifies the unattainable due to rarity)
- Green: Health, good fortune, renewal, nature
However, don’t feel rigidly bound by these! The most important meaning is the one the giver and receiver associate with the flowers. If your friend simply loves yellow roses, their association with friendship and happiness is perfect, regardless of outdated secondary meanings. Choose colours that resonate with the occasion and the recipient’s preferences.
4. Are more expensive flowers always better quality?
Not necessarily based on price alone, but price is often linked to factors that influence quality and longevity. Expensive flowers might be:
- Rarer varieties: Orchids, certain types of roses, or unique tropical blooms cost more to grow and import.
- Graded higher: Flowers are often graded by stem length, bloom size, and overall perfection. Premium grades fetch higher prices.
- Sourced carefully: Reputable florists often have relationships with specific growers known for quality and sustainable practices. This can cost more than mass-market sourcing.
- Handled professionally: From grower to wholesaler to florist to you, proper temperature control and handling are vital. Professional florists invest in this cold chain.
- Part of intricate designs: The price reflects not just the blooms but the florist’s skill, time, and artistry in creating a beautiful arrangement.
So, while a higher price doesn’t guarantee longevity (a delicate, expensive bloom might still have a shorter vase life than a hardy, cheaper one), it often reflects a higher standard of sourcing, care, and artistry. When you visit a dedicated flower shop in Guelph, you’re often paying for that expertise and quality assurance, which usually translates to a better overall experience and often, longer-lasting flowers than you might find elsewhere.
5. How far in advance should I order flowers for a special occasion or holiday?
The earlier, the better – especially for major flower holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day! For these peak times, ordering one to two weeks in advance is highly recommended. This ensures you get the best selection (popular flowers and colours sell out fast!), secures your preferred delivery slot, and gives the florist ample time to plan and source the perfect blooms.
For less frantic occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or thank-you gestures, ordering 2-3 days in advance is usually sufficient. For sympathy arrangements, often needed quickly, most florists can accommodate next-day or even same-day delivery if the order is placed early enough. Planning ahead reduces stress for everyone and increases the likelihood of getting exactly what you envision. If you’re thinking about an upcoming event, why not sort the flowers now? Call your local florist today to discuss your needs for beautiful arrangements and timely flower delivery in Guelph.
6. My friend has allergies. What flowers are safer choices?
This is a thoughtful question! Flower allergies are usually triggered by pollen. The key is to choose flowers with low pollen counts or where the pollen isn’t easily airborne. Some generally safer options include:
- Roses: Most modern hybrid roses have been bred for beauty over pollen production.
- Hydrangeas: Their pollen is sticky and not easily dispersed by wind.
- Orchids: Elegant and generally low-pollen.
- Tulips & Daffodils: While they have pollen, it’s relatively heavy.
- Carnations: A classic, hardy, low-pollen choice.
- Peonies: Lush and beautiful, with relatively low airborne pollen.
- Snapdragons & Irises: Also considered safer bets.
Flowers to generally AVOID for allergy sufferers include those with abundant, light, airborne pollen like:
- Lilies (especially Stargazer): Potent scent and lots of pollen.
- Sunflowers: Large centre discs packed with pollen.
- Daisies & Gerberas: Part of the Asteraceae family, known allergens.
- Chrysanthemums: Another member of the Asteraceae family.
- Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila): Can be surprisingly irritating for some.
When in doubt, always tell your florist about the allergy concerns. They can guide you to the best choices and ensure problematic flowers aren’t included in mixed bouquets.
We hope answering these common questions helps you feel more confident and knowledgeable when it comes to flowers! They are meant to bring joy and understanding them better only enhances that experience. From choosing the right bloom to making it last, a little know-how goes a long way. Flowers connect us, beautify our spaces, and mark life’s important moments.
Whether you need a stunning arrangement for a celebration, a thoughtful bouquet to show you care, or reliable flower shop in Guelph, remember that expert advice and beautiful blooms are just a phone call away. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Blooms & Balloons at (416) 576-6484 – we’re always happy to help answer your burning flower questions and create something perfect for any occasion.