Keeping it Fresh: The Best Tips For Healthy Trader Joe’s Flowers
This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s summer editorial intern Grier Calagione. Find her on Instagram at @g_fac. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Grocery store flower arrangements are a surefire way to bring a smile to someone’s face and life to their home. Trader Joe’s is known for their flower arrangements and selection, the country roses are my personal favorites. The problem with grocery store flowers is they’re quick to wilt. Today we’re going to walk through the tips and tricks for keeping these flowers fresh as long as possible.
Cut the leaves
The most important part of flower care is to cut the leaves. Any leaf that could be subject to underwater submersion has to go. When foliage is left on to soak in the water, bacteria has a field day. Your best bet is to cut any flowers that would be below the neck of your vase. Leaving your leaves to soak is basically flower homicide.
Smash the stem
Cutting the stems is a common practice to fit flowers into a vase at the appropriate height, but have you heard of smashing them? Smashing the bottom of a flower’s stem may seem counterintuitive, but it can help your arrangement in the long run. Specifically for flowers like hydrangeas, this can help the stem bring up water faster. The shorter you cut your flowers, the easier it will be for the water to reach the petals. For long-lasting flowers, cut the stems at the shortest possible height for your vase.
Change the water
Lots of people buy a bouquet, cut the stems, put it in a pretty place and think their job is done. These people are wrong. To increase the flower’s longevity it’s best to change the water out every day, or as often as possible. Bacteria and mold can quickly grow in still water and will eventually lead to premature wilting. Get ahead of this by making water swaps part of your daily routine.
Use the food, but read the packet
When you buy grocery store bouquets they typically come with a packet of flower food tied to the stems. This little packet is meant to preserve and hydrate your arrangement, it can also work to stop bacteria growth in the vase. When using the powder make sure to read the directions. There are specific instructions on how much to use coordinating with your water amounts. Too much food and the flowers will burn from the chemicals, too little and you’ll see no effects at all.
Flower specific
With specific flowers, there are niche ways to make them each last longer. For example, dipping the bushy head of a hydrangea in a bowl of water helps to hydrate the petals and keep the flowers fresh. With tulips, you always want to cut the stems at a diagonal angle. For roses, the best results come from a daily trim of the stem. No matter what your flower preference is, there are precautions you can take to make sure they stay fresh.
Fresh flowers create an open and inviting environment in a home. They’re a great way to liven up a small space, the perfect hostess gift and can even be a commitment-free pet. Plant people can be a serious group, but learning how to care properly for flowers will bring joy and stability. Stop by Trader Joe’s or your local grocery store for beautiful arrangements at a bargain.
What hacks do you have for keeping flowers fresh? Have you tried these tips? Let us know in the comments!