How to Care for Your Valentine’s Flowers from Cicely Flowers
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’ve pre-ordered one of my seasonal bouquets or are planning on picking up a bunch from the flower stand, you’ll want to make your flowers last as long as possible. My blooms are grown locally here in Bradford on Avon and hand-picked with care, so a little attention at home will keep them looking beautiful.
1. Trim the Stems
When you first bring your bouquet home, use a sharp knife or scissors to trim about 1–2 cm off each stem at an angle. This helps the flowers absorb water more effectively. Repeat the trimming every few days if possible.
2. Use Clean Water and a Clean Vase
Fill a vase with fresh, lukewarm water and add any flower food provided (or a pinch of sugar if you prefer). Make sure the vase is thoroughly clean to prevent bacterial growth that can shorten your bouquet’s life.
3. Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Any leaves submerged in water can rot and encourage bacteria. Remove them before placing your bouquet in the vase.
4. Change Water Regularly
Fresh water makes a big difference! Top up or replace the water every 2–3 days and trim stems slightly each time to keep them drinking.
5. Keep Flowers Cool and Away from Heat
My seasonal blooms love cool conditions. Keep your bouquet away from direct sunlight, radiators, and fruit bowls, which release ethylene gas that can speed up wilting.
6. Special Care for Seasonal Blooms
Tulips: Continue to grow after cutting, so you may notice them stretching and bending — this is normal! My favourite stage is when they’ve been in the vase for about a week, the petals are fully opened, and the colour has lightened. Keep them in a tall vase.
Anemones: Delicate and short-stemmed, they appreciate cooler spots and fresh water daily.
Hellebores: These beautiful winter flowers often last longer if you remove spent blooms and gently mist the petals.
Foliage and flowering stems (e.g., pussy willow): Remove older buds and stems as they finish to keep the bouquet looking fresh.
After a week or so, you can take out any stems that have finished flowering and split the bouquet into smaller posies to spread throughout your home.
7. Enjoy and Display
Take time to arrange and admire your bouquet! My flowers are seasonal, hand-picked, and full of character — every bouquet is unique, so enjoy the textures, scents, and colours that change with the season.
If you’re ordering a Valentine’s bouquet, pre-order early to secure your seasonal blooms — they’re limited and collection-only from Cicely Flowers in Bradford on Avon.