How to Keep Your Wholesale Flowers Fresh: 6 Pro Tips for Florists

If you're running a floral business, you know that the freshness of your product directly impacts client satisfaction, event success, and your bottom line. When buying wholesale flowers, especially in bulk, proper handling and storage are key to getting the most out of every stem.

At FloristCentric, we work with floral professionals across the U.S. and often hear this question: “What can I do to keep my flowers fresher, longer?” Here are six proven tips that make a big difference from the moment your flowers arrive.

1. Unpack Immediately As soon as your shipment arrives, open the boxes and remove any plastic or paper wrappings. This allows the flowers to breathe and prevents trapped moisture from accelerating decay. Check for temperature shock or wilting and start the rehydration process immediately.

2. Trim Stems at a 45° Angle Cutting stems on a sharp angle increases the surface area for water uptake and prevents stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the bucket, which can block absorption. Always use clean, sharp floral shears, and avoid smashing stems, which damages the tissue and shortens vase life.

3. Use Clean Buckets and Fresh Water This step is often underestimated. Bacteria in dirty buckets is one of the main causes of premature wilting. Wash your buckets with soap and hot water after every use, and change the water every 24 hours to maintain cleanliness.

4. Store at the Right Temperature Ideally, flowers should be stored between 34–38°F (1–3°C). Too warm and they’ll wilt fast; too cold and they may freeze. Avoid placing flowers near fans, vents, or fruit, especially apples, which release ethylene gas and speed up flower decay.

5. Use Hydration & Preservation Products Floral preservatives (also called flower food) contain ingredients that fight bacteria, provide nutrients, and adjust pH levels to keep water clear and flowers healthy. FloristCentric offers hydration products for specific flower types. Just ask your rep when ordering.

6. Process by Priority Handle more delicate flowers like roses, ranunculus, or hydrangeas first. These require quicker hydration and may be more sensitive to temperature changes. Process hardier blooms later and always keep flowers upright and spaced apart when rehydrating.

Conclusion Taking a few extra minutes to care for your wholesale flowers can save you hours of stress and protect your profits. Combine smart handling with reliable sourcing, and you'll consistently deliver quality your clients will love.

🌸 Want flowers that arrive fresher and last longer? Partner with FloristCentric for premium wholesale blooms, expert support, and fast nationwide delivery.