Sunflowers are cheerful, bold blooms known for their large, round faces and bright yellow petals that resemble the sun. Often associated with happiness and positivity, sunflowers also symbolize loyalty and longevity.
Native to North America, sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are part of the daisy family and are widely appreciated both as cut flowers and garden plants.
While yellow is the most iconic color, sunflowers also come in shades of orange, red, burgundy, and even creamy white.
Avoid handling flower heads to prevent bruising and creasing petals.
Keep stems upright during storage and handling to avoid bending.
If you receive dry-packed, we recommend conditioning of stem ends to prevent blockage and promote solution uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
Place flowers in a flower food solution such as FloraLife® Express 300 per manufacturer’s directions. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
Store in a cooler at 34 - 38° F (1-3° C) with a relative humidity of 75-85%.
Allow a minimum of 2 hours to hydrate by placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.
Cut, or don’t cut stems if using FloraLife® Express Technology, approximately 1" at a 45° angle using clean, sanitized clippers or knife.
Remove any foliage that would fall below the water line.
Place flowers in vase or insert stems into foam prepared with FloraLife® Flower Food solution.
Finish
Before sending sunflowers out, apply FloraLife® Finishing Touch Sprayas a final step to refresh and hydrate before arrangements leave the shop.
Customer Care/Tips & Tricks
Let them know sunflowers will naturally turn toward light (phototropism) and may shift in arrangements.
Heavy Heads: Use reinforced floral foam in designs to support weight; always cut stems at an angle before inserting them into foam.
Prevent botrytis with good airflow and proper cooler humidity.
Never store or display fresh-cut flowers near ripening produce, direct sunlight, extreme heat, cold, or drafts.
Your best insurance policy? Send customers home with a FloraLife® Express Flower Food packet. Advise customers to repeat care and handing steps on the packet every 3 days or as needed for maximum enjoyment.
