How to care for your sunflowers
Big, bold and full of joy, sunflowers (aka helianthus annuus) are like all the best bits of summer, rolled up into flower form. These annual plants are only available for a few months of the year, from late spring onwards. So we make the most of them while we can, by adding them to our brightest bouquets. If you’ve received one, prepare to have your home feel like a sun-filled garden. Even on the cloudiest of days.
We might be biased, but we think ours are the best sunflowers. That's because we send them in bud, to protect their petals and help them stay fresher for longer. But don’t worry, they’ll open within a day or two into bright yellow petals. And given the right care and attention, our fresh-cut flowers can last seven days (or longer) in your vase. Our sunflower care tips will help make sure they do.
Sunflower care tips
Our sunflower varieties are always sent in gel to keep them hydrated, mirroring the well-drained soil they're grown in. But put them in water as soon as you can, to keep them looking their best. Follow our tips for the best way to care for these bright golden-yellow flowers, so you can enjoy them for as long as possible.
1. Trim the stems When your flowers arrive, cut the stems with sharp scissors or shears. You’ll want to cut 5-10cm off at a 45-degree angle. This will help your sunflowers drink their water and stay nice and hydrated.
2. Remove some leaves You may notice some leaves lower down on the stems. Gently remove any that will sit below the waterline in your vase. When leaves sit in water, bacteria can build up which will shorten the life of your flowers.
3. Get a clean, sturdy vase The flower heads are full of sunflower seeds. This can make them heavy, especially when they’re fully open. You’ll want a vase that is sturdy and can support their weight. Make sure the vase is clean and dust-free before filling it with cool, fresh water.
4. Add flower food Your cut flowers come with two sachets of flower food. They’re filled with lots of essential nutrients and they help keep the water clean so don’t throw them away! Add the first sachet to your water now, and use the second sachet when you change the water in 2-3 days.
5. Arrange your bouquet Get creative! To help, we’ve popped a care guide in your box of flowers, with arranging tips from our florists.
6. Keep away from direct sunlight Sunflowers like a light spot, but direct sunlight or a warm area can cause them to wilt. They also don’t like to be near radiators, fans, and drafts. Oh, and keep them away from fruit bowls, too. Ripening fruit gives off a chemical that causes your sunflowers to age quickly.
7. Refresh the water Like us, flowers need fresh, cool water to keep on looking their best. If the water is left for too long, bacteria can build up and block the stems. Every 2-3 days, take your flowers out of their vase and give it a good clean before refilling it with water and a sachet of flower food. Re-trim the stems by 1cm before popping them into that lovely fresh water.
Sunflower care FAQs
Help! My flower heads are drooping
Sunflowers are thirsty and like lots of water. If they’re drooping, re-cut the stems at a 45-degree angle and pop them in a clean vase filled with fresh, cool water and flower food. Give them a couple of hours to drink up, and they should be looking perky again. If they’re still drooping, try moving them to a cooler spot.
Why are my sunflowers’ heads closed?
We send our flowers in bud, so don’t worry if they’re not fully open when they arrive. They take a day or two to open naturally and you’ll get to watch them bloom into bright yellow petals. If you can’t wait and want them to open sooner, put them in a warm, well-lit room. Make sure they’re not in direct sunlight though, or they could wilt.
Why are the petals shedding?
It’s normal for some petals to drop off as the sunflowers age. If a lot of petals are shedding, move them away from any drafts or heat, like radiators.
Sunflowers in the wild
AKA, your living rooms, desks, hallways and kitchen tables. Tag your arrangements on Instagram @bloomandwild and we’ll share your oh-so-creative blooms.
Our best sunflowers
We're lucky to have a few sunflower varieties. From the taller varieties, to our fave British-grown variety, and the cutest mini dwarf sunflowers. Each one is guaranteed to transform your home into an indoor garden (we can hear the birds already).
