Putting sunflowers in a vase:
That way they stay beautiful for ten days
What you do in the first five minutes after taking a bunch of sunflowers home determines whether they stay beautiful for three or ten days. At Kibb Flowers in Haarlem, we often see customers place sunflowers directly from the paper into the vase and then wonder why the heads are already drooping after just a few days. Below is how to do it correctly, step by step, including the considerations we make ourselves as florists.
Table of contents
- How long do sunflowers last in a vase?
- Cut the stems before putting them in the vase
- Which vase suits a bunch of sunflowers
- Which water and how often to change
- Where do you place the vase in the house
- What do you do when heads start to droop?
- Frequently Asked Questions
How long do sunflowers last in a vase?
A fresh bunch of sunflowers stays beautiful for an average of seven to ten days. With large, small-flowered varieties and good care, they last twelve days. This is only possible if the stems are cut diagonally immediately after unpacking, the vase is clean, and the water is changed at least every two days. The part around unpacking is often skipped, and it is precisely that which determines the lifespan.
Cut the stems before putting them in the vase
Cut the stems diagonally with a sharp knife or floral shears. A diagonal cut creates a larger surface area, allowing the flower to absorb water better. Cut off one to two centimeters, and always immediately before placing it in the vase. If you do it hours in advance, the cut surface of the stem will close up again. Also, cut away any leaves that would be below the waterline; otherwise, they will rot, and the water will become cloudy within a day.
Which vase suits a bunch of sunflowers
Sunflowers have thick, sturdy stems and heavy heads. A vase with a narrow neck often works poorly because the stems do not fit through each other and the heads pull to one side. A better option is a vase with a round or cylindrical shape, a sturdy base, and a height of about two-thirds the height of the flower itself. For an average bunch sixty centimeters long, a vase around forty centimeters high works well. Glass, ceramic, or zinc makes little difference, as long as the vase has been thoroughly cleaned beforehand with soapy water. Rinse away any remaining dish soap well, as sunflowers are sensitive to it.
Which water and how often to change
Use lukewarm water, not ice-cold from the tap. Lukewarm water is absorbed more quickly by the stems, so the flowers are less likely to wilt in the first 24 hours. Fill the vase about two-thirds full — sunflowers drink a lot, so low water runs out quickly. Change the water every two days, and trim another half centimeter off the stems with each change. The included cut flower food sachet works, but a clean vase with fresh water does almost as much.
Where do you place the vase in the house
Not in direct sunlight and not right next to a heater or fruit bowl. That sounds strange for a flower that grows in the sun, but indoors, sunlight actually evaporates the water quickly and accelerates the aging of the flower. A bright spot without harsh midday sun is ideal. Fruit, especially apples and bananas, releases ethylene, which sunflowers cannot tolerate well. So keep a distance of half a meter from the fruit bowl.
What do you do when heads start to droop?
A drooping head is almost always due to air bubbles in the stem or a stem that is too tightly packed. First aid: remove the bouquet from the vase, cut at least three centimeters off the stem at an angle, and hang the flower upside down in lukewarm water for twenty minutes. Then return it to the cleaned vase with fresh water. In eight out of ten cases, the heads recover within a few hours. If this does not help, the flower has reached the end of its lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put an aspirin or sugar in the water?
Aspirin doesn't do much. Half a teaspoon of sugar plus a few drops of bleach or vinegar does work: sugar as food, vinegar or bleach to inhibit bacteria in the water. A cut flower bag does the same thing, but in a single, dosable quantity.
Can I mix sunflowers with other flowers in the same vase?
Preferably not. Sunflowers release a lot of sap into the water, which causes other flowers to wilt faster. If you still want to mix them, choose sturdy flowers such as chrysanthemums or everlastings, and change the water daily.
Why do the leaves wilt while the flower is still beautiful?
That is normal for sunflowers. The flower uses the water primarily for the flower head, not for the leaves. Trim away wilted leaves and the bunch will stay looking fresh.
How do I know if a bunch of sunflowers is fresh upon purchase?
Feel the head: firm and tight means fresh. A limp or papery head means the flower has been sitting somewhere for a few days. At Kibb Flowers, you get sunflowers that come from the grower that same week, so picking them up fresh or having them delivered is always the difference between a vase life of three and ten days.
How far in advance do you order a funeral bouquet?
Preferably at least a day in advance if you want something specific put together. For emergencies, you can call us in Haarlem, and we will see what we can do for the same day.
Can I dry sunflowers after the vase?
Yes, once the flower has passed its peak. Hang it upside down in a dry, dark place for two to three weeks. After that, you will have a dried flower that stays beautiful for months, ideal for an autumn bouquet.
Personal advice
Unsure if your bunch is fresh, or do you want to be certain that a bouquet stays beautiful for ten days? Stop by Kibb Flowers at Marsmanplein in Haarlem or get in touch. We select directly from the grower and provide the correct care instructions with every bunch of sunflowers. Also check out our blog about hydrangea bouquets for care tips on other summer flowers, or the funeral bouquet with sunflowers if you are looking for one for a farewell.
More than 30 years of experience
Kibb Flowers has over 30 years of experience in the flower and interior design industry. The sustainable flower shop in Haarlem specializes in funeral flowers and is, or was, involved in major projects, such as the MH17 memorial service. Using the most beautiful flowers, Kibb Flowers creates the most extraordinary arrangements. 'Kibb with a double B,' Jeroen winks in the Insta videos. Kibb Flowers purchases sustainably certified flowers fresh from the auction daily.
