Flowers are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can be delicate and require special care. The fridge may seem like an unlikely place to store flowers, but in some cases, it can help to extend the life of these fragile blooms.
It’s important to remember that some flowers are going to naturally last longer than others. Flowers like lilies, daisies, dahlias, and sunflowers tend to stay fresh longer than hyacinths, daffodils, ranunculus, and tulips. These are notorious for wilting after only a few days.
I’ll give you some insider florist information about storing flowers in the fridge and how to get the most life from them.
Will flowers last longer in the refrigerator?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Some flowers, such as tulips and lilies, actually benefit from being stored in the fridge. The cool temperature slows down their metabolism, which in turn extends their lifespan. However, other flowers, such as roses and orchids, are much more sensitive to temperature changes. Storing them in the fridge can cause them to wilt and die prematurely. So, if you’re not sure which type of flower you’re dealing with, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep them out of the fridge. With proper care, most flowers will last several days, regardless of whether they’re stored in the fridge or not.
If I were to make a guess, I would say the average shelf life of bouquets in the fridge is 10-12 days.
Tips for putting flowers in the fridge
The main thing to watch for when storing flowers in the fridge is to be sure to keep them away from fruits and vegetables, as the ethylene gas emitted by these foods can cause the flowers to wilt.
The key to maximizing the life of flowers in the refrigerator is to avoid placing the flowers near fruits or vegetables, which can emit ethylene gas and cause the petals to wilt. Furthermore, it is important to keep the flowers well-hydrated by misting them with cool water every few days.
When stored correctly, cut flowers can last up to two weeks in the fridge. So if you’re looking for a way to prolong the life of your bouquet, keeping it cool just might do the trick.
Tips for keeping fresh flowers looking good for longer
- Trim the stems – Using a sharp knife, cut about an inch off the stem at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors
- Add the flower food packet – Every 3 days, recut the stems and add the plant food, which includes sugar, acid, and bleach to keep them hydrated and combat bacterial growth. If you don’t have the packets, use 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon of bleach, and a penny too. The penny is made of copper, which acts as a natural antibacterial agent.
- Prune extra leaves – Any leaves below the waterline will start to rot, so it’s important to remove them.
- Change the vase water – Every few days, empty out the old water and replace it with fresh, cold water.
- Mist the flowers – Every day, mist the flowers with water to keep them hydrated.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight – Flowers that are kept in a cool, dark spot will last longer than those that are exposed to sunlight.
See more tips on keeping fresh flowers fresh
What Is the Shelf Life of Bouquets in the Fridge?
The shelf life of flowers in the fridge depends on a few different factors, including the type of flowers used and the care they receive. For example, flowers with high water content, such as roses, will only last a few days in the fridge before they start to wilt. On the other hand, flowers with low water content, such as carnations, can last up to two weeks when properly cared for.
In general, it is best to keep bouquets in the fridge until you are ready to use them. However, if you need to prolong their life, you can try placing them in a vase with fresh water and adding a teaspoon of sugar. This will help to keep them hydrated and looking good for longer.
How Long Do Refrigerated Roses Last?
Roses are one of the most popular types of flowers, but they are also one of the most delicate. As a result, refrigerated roses only last for a few days before they start to wilt. If you need your roses to last longer than a few days, you can try placing them in a vase with fresh water and adding a teaspoon of sugar and a penny to slow bacteria growth. This will help to keep them hydrated and looking fresh for longer.
Can you keep flowers in the fridge without water?
If you’re wondering whether you can keep flowers in the fridge without water, the answer is yes– but there are a few things you need to know first. Flowers are typically refrigerated at a temperature of 34-38 degrees Fahrenheit, and they should be placed in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out. It’s also important to make sure that the flowers aren’t exposed to any fruits or vegetables, as the ethylene gas produced by these foods can cause the flowers to wilt. With these considerations in mind, you can safely store your flowers in the fridge for up to a week.