How to Hide Flowers for Valentine’s Day and Keep Them Fresh
Making Valentine’s Day flowers a surprise can be a challenge, especially when both you and your partner occasionally work from home. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for discreetly hiding bouquets and keeping them fresh until the big reveal. Here are some tried-and-true methods I’ve used to ensure those Valentine’s Day flowers stay vibrant and beautiful.
5 Tips on Hiding Flowers For Valentines Day
Prepare the Flowers
Before hiding your flowers, make sure you prepare them properly. Take off any packaging and cut the stems before putting them in fresh water. This ensures they stay hydrated and don’t wilt overnight. If your bouquet comes with a flower food packet, be sure to add it to the water for extra nourishment.
Location Matters: Choose the Right Spot
You don’t want your Valentine to stumble upon the bouquet by accident, so choose a hiding spot wisely! Think of places in your house that are rarely used. I usually place flowers in the spare room, but I’ve also kept them in our office where they get a bit more sunlight. If needed, a closet or wardrobe can work for overnight storage.
Remember, Temperature Matters
Temperature plays a crucial role in keeping flowers fresh. While you need to pick a discreet spot, avoid areas with extreme temperatures. Don’t leave flowers in the garage or car. Anywhere too cold or too warm will cause the flowers to wilt faster.
Generally outdoor areas are a no go, they pose risks because of changing temperatures and possible harm from wildlife.
A cool, dark place like a closet however, where they aren’t exposed to extreme temperature changes, is ideal until you are ready for them to mature and bloom.
Keep Flowers Away from Pets and Children
If you have pets or children, ensure the flowers are stored somewhere they can’t reach. If necessary, keep the door closed or even locked to prevent any curious paws or little hands from interfering with your bouquet.
Give Your Flowers Enough Space
Avoid small, cramped spaces where flowers could be crushed by cushions, blankets, books, or other household items. Make sure your bouquet is safe from potential damage so it stays beautiful for the big day.
With these tips on how to properly hide your flowers, Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be stressful! A little planning can go a long way and you can keep your gift a surprise while ensuring the flowers stay fresh.
We accept that hiding flowers is not the best solution for everyone, so here are some additional ideas for alternatives.
Alternative Ideas to Hiding Flowers For Valentines Day
If hiding your flowers isn’t practical and you’re worried about delivery times, using a flower delivery service like Prestige Flowers‘ might be a better option. The tracking system allows you to receive real-time updates on your delivery, so you don’t have to worry about missing it.
You can still make their day extra special and even benefit from the next day delivery service. Prestige Flowers is rated one of the top flower delivery companies in the UK, with a 4.5/5 score across multiple review platforms, including Reviews.io and Trustpilot—so you can trust them to handle your delivery with care.
Tips on Keeping Your Bouquet Fresh Even After Valentine’s Day
When it comes to maintaining the freshness of a flower bouquet after Valentine’s Day, there are a few essential things you can do to help prolong its life. Here are several effective ways to do so:
- Re-trim the Stems: As flowers start to wilt, it’s essential to re-trim the stems at a 45-degree angle. This angle allows for better water absorption. Make sure to do this every few days for optimal freshness. This can easily be done with a pair of scissors.
- Change the Water Regularly: Refresh the water in the vase every two to three days. This prevents bacterial growth, which can clog the stems and shorten the life of the blooms. Make sure to clean the vase thoroughly before adding fresh water.
- Add Flower Food: If you have leftover flower food from the original bouquet, mix it in with the fresh water. The nutrients help nourish the flowers and extend their life.
- Keep Them Cool: Place the bouquet in a cool area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like heaters or appliances. A cooler temperature helps slow down the aging process of the flowers.
- Remove Wilted Flowers: As some flowers begin to wilt, remove them from the arrangement. This not only improves the overall appearance of the bouquet but also helps the healthy flowers absorb more water and nutrients.
- Use a Clean Vase: Bacteria can thrive in dirty vases. Always ensure the vase is cleaned before adding water and flowers to minimise bacterial growth.
- Avoid Ethylene Producers: Keep the flowers away from fruits and vegetables, as they emit ethylene gas which can accelerate flower aging.
I followed these exact steps and kept my Valentine’s Day bouquet looking vibrant and fresh for a long time, allowing me to enjoy its beauty well beyond the special day.
How To Preserve Your Valentine’s Day Flowers
Some Valentine’s Days are much more special than others, and sometimes we would like to relive them forever. Preserving a piece of that beautiful bouquet you were given can help you relive that moment hundreds of times.
- Drying: Hang the flowers upside down in a cool, dark place to dry them. This method helps retain their shape and colour.
- Pressing: Place flowers between the pages of a heavy book or use a flower press. This technique is great for creating keepsakes.
- Using Silica Gel: Submerge flowers in silica gel to absorb moisture quickly, preserving their shape and colour.
- Refrigeration: Store flowers in the fridge for a short period to slow down the aging process.
- Using Preservatives: Commercial flower preservatives can be added to water to extend the life of fresh flowers.
There are many other ways to preserve flowers and keep them fresher for longer; however, these are just some of my top picks.
To find out more, check out our top 5 ways to make keepsakes full of interesting and insightful flower information to keep you in the know.
