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How Are Flowers Kept Fresh During Delivery? 8 Things to Know

Discover how flowers stay fresh during delivery with these essential tips.

By: THURSD | 28-02-2024 | 6 min read
Floral Designs Floral Education Flowers
Flower kept fresh

Sending flowers is more than just a gesture; it's an art and a science combined, ensuring that the beauty and freshness of nature's blooms reach your loved ones in pristine condition. The journey from farm to vase is filled with meticulous care at every step, safeguarding the delicate petals against all odds.

This guide dives into the essentials of how florists keep flowers fresh during delivery. From hydration hacks to clever packaging techniques, discover the behind-the-scenes magic that makes receiving flowers a truly memorable experience.

Hydration Is Essential

Flowers are like tiny athletes that need to stay hydrated to perform their best—especially when they're on a journey. Before being boxed up, flowers take a nice long drink in either bucket of water or get cozy with gel packs that lock moisture in without any mess. 

It's sort of like packing them a little water bottle for the road. This crucial step ensures they don't start thirsting and wilting before they even reach their destination. Instead, it helps them arrive looking crisp and lively. 

 

Smile with fresh flowers
Picture by @Katerina Holmes

 

Temperature Control

Besides hydration, flowers have their own comfort zone when it comes to temperature. Just like humans, they hate being too hot or too cold. 

That's why during delivery, florists use cool tricks like refrigerated trucks or adding cold packs to the package. This isn't just for showing off; it's a tried-and-true method to stop the blooms from getting stressed out and droopy. 

Think of it as giving your flowers a chill ride in an air-conditioned limo, keeping them fresh and fabulous until they reach their final stop. It’s all about making sure those lovely petals don’t break a sweat (because yes, in their own way, flowers can get sweaty too!). 

Importance of Ventilation

Let's not forget about giving flowers their breathing space. Yup, even in transit, they need a little air to stay fresh. Without proper ventilation, it's like sticking them in a crowded room with no windows—you're bound to get a few fainters.

By ensuring the packaging isn't suffocating them (but still keeping them safe and snug), florists help prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and ethylene gas. It’s sort of like making sure there’s enough circulation at a party so everyone stays lively and upbeat. 

Plus, this airy approach helps keep the petals from getting too cozy with each other, avoiding moisture build-up that can lead to wilting or mold. It’s all about striking that perfect balance between protection and letting them breathe easy on their journey.

 

lady buying flower from roadside shop
Picture by @Quang Nguyen Vinh

 

Protective Wrapping

When it comes to keeping flowers fresh during delivery, don't underestimate the power of a good wrap. It's not just about making them look pretty; it serves as their armor against the bumps and shakes of travel.

This wrapping is carefully designed to hold everything together while giving each flower enough space to breathe. Think of it like packing an egg for a bumpy ride – you want it secure but not squished.

Florists often use materials that also help maintain humidity around the flowers, keeping them hydrated without drowning them. So, when you see a bouquet swaddled in what seems like layers upon layers, remember: It's all part of a plan to keep those blooms dazzling and fresh by the time they land on your doorstep. 

Cutting Stems Appropriately

Snipping flower stems at an angle helps increase the surface area for water intake, ensuring they stay hydrated longer. It is like giving them their own personal straws to drink up all that water they love so much. 

It’s kind of like optimizing the plumbing system for these botanical beauties, offering them every chance to soak up hydration during their trip. Florists whip out their scissors and give stems this special treatment right before packing them up for delivery.

This angled cut also helps prevent the stem ends from sitting flat against the bottom of their container, which can block water absorption. It's a small step with big benefits, helping those flowers arrive in tip-top shape, ready to brighten someone’s day.

Using Flower Food

Those little sachets of flower food that often come with bouquets aren't just an extra—they're a secret weapon. Mixing this into the water not only gives the blooms a nutrient boost but also helps fend off bacteria, keeping the water cleaner and fresher for longer.

It’s like giving your flowers a multivitamin along with their drink. This special concoction helps extend their lifespan, ensuring they don’t just arrive fresh but stay vibrant on your table for days to come.

So, when unpacking your delivered flowers, don’t toss aside that tiny packet. It's packed with all the good stuff (sugars for energy, bleach for cleanliness) they need to put their best petals forward. Following the mixing instructions can make all the difference in keeping those blooms looking lively and lovely. 

 

buying fresh flower  from shop
Picture by @beyzahzah

 

Fast Transportation

In the world of flower delivery, speed is the name of the game. The less time flowers spend in transit, the fresher they'll arrive at their destination. That's why some companies invest in speedy delivery services to minimize the wait from farm to front door.

For instance, BloomsyBox delivers flowers just 2-5 days after they're cut. Such a quick flower subscription delivery service, is like teleporting blooms from their soil straight to your vase - making it seem as if you picked them from a garden yourself.

Faster transportation means there’s less risk of dehydration and damage, so your flowers don’t just show up quickly; they show up looking absolutely flawless. It’s a win-win situation where cutting down on travel time significantly boosts those blooms' chances of staying fresh and fabulous for longer once they've reached you. 

Choosing the Right Flowers

Not all flowers are created equal, especially when it comes to their travel tolerance. Some are like seasoned globetrotters, hardly batting an eyelid at a long-haul flight, while others might start wilting at the mere mention of a road trip.

That's why picking the right blooms for delivery is tantamount to ensuring they arrive in pristine condition. Florists and companies often curate selections based on their resilience and longevity—opting for those hardy travelers that can withstand a bit of time in transit without losing their sparkle.

For example, roses and chrysanthemums have a reputation for being quite sturdy, handling the hustle and bustle like champs. On the other hand, delicate varieties such as poppies or peonies need more TLC and might not fare as well on longer journeys.

Concluding Thoughts

The journey of a flower from its stem to your doorstep is filled with careful planning and precise execution. These efforts ensure that when flowers are delivered, they arrive as vibrant and fresh as if they were just picked. 

So, the next time you receive or send a gorgeous bouquet, you'll appreciate not just the beauty but also the expertise and dedication behind keeping those blooms fresh. It's a blend of artistry and science that brightens our lives, one petal at a time.

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