Sunflowers, also known as “sunflowers,” are named after their flower heads that follow the movement of the sun. They bloom abundantly in the summer, making it the best time to admire them, and many people buy bouquets of these flowers to decorate their homes. However, it can be troublesome and costly if the sunflowers wilt or droop every few days. So, is there a way to extend the lifespan of a sunflower bouquet?
According to Opulence Magazine, sunflowers are one of the most popular flowers for gifting and decoration, so it is no surprise that many people seek expert advice to prolong the lifespan of sunflower bouquets.
To help people enjoy sunflowers for a longer period, plant and flower experts like Jo Lambell shared some tips on how to keep sunflower bouquets fresh when placed in a vase:
Before placing sunflowers in a vase, make sure to thoroughly clean the vase to remove any bacteria that could cause the flowers to wilt prematurely. To maintain the flowers’ moisture and health, change the water every two days with fresh room temperature water.
Trimming the sunflower stems at a 45-degree angle can increase the surface area for water absorption, helping to retain moisture for a longer period. You can trim the stems every few days to ensure good water absorption.
Most bouquets come with floral preservative, which nourishes the sunflowers and keeps the water clean. If you don’t have floral preservative, you can make your own with household items like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or a little sugar to provide nutrients to the sunflowers.
Placing an old copper coin in the vase water acts as a natural bactericide, helping prevent bacterial growth and maintaining the vitality and health of the sunflowers.
Fruits release ethylene gas when ripe, accelerating plant wilting. To prolong the lifespan of sunflower bouquets, avoid placing them near a fruit bowl or ripening produce.
Adding a small amount of vodka or gin to the vase water helps reduce ethylene gas accumulation. Ethylene gas speeds up flower aging, so adding a bit of alcohol can slow down this process, keeping your sunflowers fresh for longer.
Sunflowers last longer in cooler temperatures. Avoid placing the bouquet near heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight, as it can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely.
Any leaves submerged in water can rot and breed bacteria, shortening the flowers’ lifespan. Remove these leaves promptly and keep the water clean to help the sunflowers stay fresh.
Speaking of sunflowers, the plants usually grow about two to three meters tall. However, a man in Indiana, USA, has grown sunflowers reaching over 9 meters high, surpassing the Guinness World Record pending formal certification by the institution.
According to WANE TV station, Wayne County resident Alex Babich attempted to break the US record with sunflowers he planted last year but fell short.
On August 7 this year, a sunflower he planted measured 30 feet 7 inches (9.32 meters) in height, breaking the US record and informally surpassing the Guinness World Record of 30 feet 1 inch (9.17 meters) set by a German farmer.
Guinness World Records will need to verify the evidence submitted by Babich to officially recognize the new record set by the sunflower named “Clover.”
Babich said that the Fort Wayne city government supports his challenge to the world record. They provided a lift platform to protect “Clover” from squirrel damage and facilitate its growth.
He said, “We have been here for 30 years. We love Fort Wayne. We have a lot of friends and family here, and everyone in this town has given us tremendous support. It’s been fantastic. To be honest, it is the support of everyone that drives us to keep maintaining this plant.”
(Click here to watch related video)