How to find fresh flowers

The trick to having long lasting flowers is finding the freshest flowers possible... but how do you do that?

Well the easy answer is to buy your flowers from Sunshine Coast Flowers and Gifts because we specialise in selling the freshest, highest quality flowers, but failing that, here's a few of our top tips on how to find the freshest of flowers:

Colour:

- Check the stems of the flowers and foliage. Are they grey and dull, or are they green/brown? Stems often discolour as they age, usually starting with the part of the stem that has been under water.

- Are the petals of the flowers bruised or browning? It is normal to see small blemishes as flowers are so very delicate, but if a large number of petals are damaged then it's likely not a fresh, well cared for bunch.

Drooping:

- Are stems firm and upright, or are they drooping? Some stems are likely to have a bend in them, even when they are fresh - for example gerberas. But for the majority of flowers, if the stems are drooping then the flowers are either dehydrated or old. Usually this will start at the top of the stem and work downward.

Smell:

- As flowers age the smell of the foliage becomes more strong. You'll often smell an unpleasant sweet smell, similar to rotting fruit, when flowers are well past their best before date.

Check the water:

- Is the water murky? Is there mold around the stems/leaves? I've seen both these things on many occasions when looking at supermarket flowers. These signs are a huge red flag that the flowers are either old or haven't been looked after, either way, run for the hills!

Are there any other telltale signs that you look out for when you are buying flowers?