Your sunflowers will be very “thirsty” and will drink a lot of water. Upon returning home follow these steps:
Step 1
Make sure all leaves are cut off below the water line
Step 2
Cut a small section of the stem again (best to do under water) to ensure a healthy flower. Pro-tip: cut the stem at an angle
Step 3
Place them in new, fresh water (not the water given from the festival if there is any left)
Step 4
Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and/or 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the water to keep your flowers looking vibrant and healthy. This helps delay sunflowers from wilting.
Step 5
Make sure your sunflowers are not exposed to direct sunlight, cool drafts or heat. After cutting, sunflowers don’t enjoy the sunlight as much as planted in the field.
Step 6
Check your stems and water frequently (daily) and re-cut them and change your water solution to ensure healthy sunflowers!
If sunflowers begin to droop early, cut their stems short and place in warm water to give them an added boost!
Add a penny to your water to keep bacteria from growing
Once petals wilt, pick them off the sunflower and use base as an added arrangement in another flower bouquet. Perhaps from your second visit to the Coshocton sunflower festival!
