How To Keep Flowers Fresh In A Refrigerator: 4 Surprisingly Easy Steps!

Struggling to figure out how to keep your flowers fresh? You’ve probably tried and tested out all the popular methods. Cutting off a part of the stems, replacing the water in the vase, keeping it away from sunlight — the works. But still, after a few days, your flowers seem to be in no better shape. 

But what if you kept your flowers inside the fridge? Will this maintain their freshness for much longer? The simple answer is yes, but there are several exceptions. Flowers that bloom best in tropical climates, for example, won’t fare well with a bit of fridge treatment. Jasmines, bougainvillaeas, and birds of paradise are all better off in outdoor conditions, under ample sunlight and scheduled watering. 

However, rose bouquets, hydrangeas, or peonies present an altogether different story. If you’ve received a bunch of these florals or want to save a bouquet for a later occasion, below are a few tricks to extend their shelf life. 

Why Store Flowers In A Fridge?

Florists worldwide have advised that keeping flowers inside a fridge is one of the best ways to keep them in good shape. After they’re picked, the flowers will last only for several days. Part of the reason cut flowers wilt much faster is the lack of moisture and exposure to bacteria. Unless you’re trying to make dried flowers, this isn’t what you want.

Instead, you’ll want to place them in a cool area, like a fridge, where the flowers remain undisturbed. Doing this will help slow down the wilting process and retain much of the flowers’ moisture, keeping them vibrant and crisp. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Step 1: Fill A Vase With Cool Water

Though your bouquet may come in a finely-crafted packaging, you’ll want to remove the flowers from it first before arranging them in a vase. Long-stemmed flowers like daisies, tulips, or a baby's breath will need to be taken out of the packaging. But you can skip this step for small flowers or bouquets meant for formal occasions. 

Next, choose a vase to store loose flowers. As much as possible, choose a dark and opaque vase. If selecting a transparent vase, ensure you put it away from any direct lighting sources during the final floral arrangement. 

Step 2: Remove Fresh Fruits And Vegetables From The Fridge

Next is a crucial step — remove all fresh fruits and vegetables from the fridge, mainly where you’ll store the flower vase. If you can’t totally remove them, place them in a separate compartment away from the flowers. 

Some fruits, like bananas and apples, tend to release high levels of ethylene. This gas speeds up ethylene production in neighbouring flowers, thus resulting in a faster rate of ageing or withering. 

For smaller fridges, it’s recommended to place the fruits temporarily in airtight containers. As a precaution, store them in a different location in the freezer.

Step 3: Set The Temperature Of The Fridge

Change the fridge temperature and set it between 1 to 5°C. Place the flower vase neatly inside the vegetable compartment and let them sit for about 3 to 12 hours, or overnight.

To avoid stray flowers or stems, you may bunch up your flowers and tie them loosely with a string before placing the blooms in the fridge. Clean the compartment beforehand, ensuring there aren’t any stains or liquids that can seep into the petals. For an added precaution, layer a sheet of parchment paper before setting the flowers. 

Step 4: Arrange The Fresh Flowers In A Vase

After 12 hours or so, it’s time to make the final arrangements. Take out the flowers from the fridge. Follow basic care instructions for picked flowers, such as cutting the stems at a 45-degree angle under running water and organising them neatly in the vase.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to keep flowers fresh in a fridge, you can do it on your own. This technique may be unorthodox, but it’s certainly effective. Whether you want a gift bouquet to last a little longer or want a set of healthy flowers to display indoors, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t give this a try.

Windflower Florist aims to inspire a floral-centric lifestyle for everyone. Each day, we strive to bring you only the freshest bouquets and heartfelt presents that remain timeless and unforgettable. Buy a special flower arrangement from us now! We cater to all occasions, promising nothing less than quality and craftsmanship. 

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Keep Flowers Fresh 

Can You Store Cut Peonies In The Fridge?

Absolutely! For home use, remove the fresh peonies from the original packaging and tie them together in a bunch with a loose thread or adhesive. Clean out your fridge’s vegetable compartment and store the flowers inside overnight or for half a day.

How Do You Keep A Bouquet Of Flowers Fresh?

After receiving a gift of flowers from a loved one or someone special, keep it fresh by:

1. Cutting off a small part of the stem. 
2. Transferring the bunch into a vase filled with clean water.
3. Placing it as a centrepiece or room decor, away from direct sunlight.

Can I Put Sugar In The Flower Vase?

Sugar acts as “food” for the flowers, increasing their weight and making them last longer. Mix in about 3 teaspoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar per 1 Litre of water. Pour the water into the vase until it is ¾ full.

Can I Use Vinegar To Keep Flowers Fresh?

Yes. Vinegar prevents bacterial proliferation, allowing your flowers to stay alive for much longer. It does this by helping to lower the water’s pH level, which will increase its acidity and make it difficult for bacteria to thrive.