When it comes to keeping fresh flowers alive and vibrant in a vase, the temperature of the water in a vase can make all the difference. Many people wonder whether they should use cold water or lukewarm water, and which is better for their fresh flowers in a vase.
Knowing the right water temperature can help extend the life of your flowers in a vase, and keep them looking beautiful for longer. In this guide, we’ll explore the science behind water temperature, define what we mean by "cold" and "lukewarm," and explore the best practices for maintaining the freshness of your flowers.
Understanding Water Temperatures for Flowers
The first step to choosing the best water temperature for your flowers is understanding the difference between "cold" and "lukewarm" water.
Cold Water:
Typically, cold water comes directly from the tap, which is usually around 10-15°C (50-59°F). However, if you use water from a fridge or a built-in dispenser, it can be even colder, generally around 4-7°C (39-45°F).
Lukewarm Water:
Lukewarm water feels neither hot nor cold to the touch and is usually around 20-30°C (68-86°F). This temperature is just warm enough to facilitate absorption without shocking the flowers.
Now that we have clarified what these temperatures mean, let’s explore how they affect the health and longevity of fresh flowers.
The Science Behind Water Temperature and Fresh Flowers
Water temperature plays a significant role in how well flowers absorb water and stay fresh. Here's a closer look at how different temperatures impact flower health:
How Cold Water Affects Flowers
Cold water slows down the metabolism of the flowers. This reduced metabolic rate can delay the opening of flower buds and slow down the wilting process, which can be beneficial for certain types of flowers.
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Slower Water Absorption: Cold water causes the stems' pores to constrict slightly, slowing the absorption of water. This can be useful for hardy flowers that do not need rapid hydration, like tulips and lilies.
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Preservation of Freshness: Cold water helps to keep flowers fresh by reducing microbial growth in the vase. Bacteria thrive in warmer temperatures, so using colder water can help limit bacterial growth, which can otherwise clog stems and prevent water absorption.
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Ideal for Hardy Flowers: Flowers such as tulips, daffodils, and chrysanthemums benefit from cold water. These flowers continue to grow after being cut, and cold water helps maintain their shape and strength over time.
How Lukewarm Water Affects Flowers
Lukewarm water is often considered the ideal temperature for most flowers. Here's why:
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Optimal Water Absorption: Lukewarm water is readily absorbed by the flowers because the stems' pores are open, allowing for better hydration. Flowers like roses, peonies, and hydrangeas thrive in lukewarm water as it provides the hydration they need to stay fresh.
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Stimulates Flower Opening: If you want your flowers to open up quickly, lukewarm water can help accelerate this process. The slight warmth helps flowers like roses and lilies bloom more fully and quickly.
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Reduces Shock: Placing freshly cut flowers into lukewarm water can prevent temperature shock, which can cause delicate flowers to wilt prematurely. Lukewarm water provides a comfortable transition from the environment to the vase.
Which Temperature is Best for Flowers in a Vase?
Understanding which temperature to use depends on the type of flowers you have and the effect you wish to achieve.
When to Use Cold Water in a Vase
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For Hardy or Long-Stemmed Flowers: Cold water is perfect for flowers like tulips, daffodils, and anemones. These flowers tend to be sturdier and can handle the slower hydration process that cold water provides.
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To Preserve Flowers During Transport or Overnight: If you need to preserve flowers overnight or while transporting them, cold water can help maintain their freshness by slowing their metabolism and reducing bacterial growth.
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For Tight Buds: Flowers with tight buds can benefit from cold water to delay their opening until you are ready to display them fully bloomed.
When to Use Lukewarm Water in a Vase
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For Delicate or Thirsty Flowers: Lukewarm water is best for delicate flowers like roses, peonies, and tropical flowers that need quick and ample hydration.
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Immediately After Receiving Fresh Flowers: When you first receive or purchase fresh flowers, especially if they are slightly wilted, lukewarm water can help rehydrate them quickly and restore their freshness.
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To Encourage Blooming: Lukewarm water is ideal if you want to encourage flowers to open up and bloom faster. This temperature is suitable for flowers like lilies and roses that look their best when fully opened.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Water Temperature
To get the most out of your flowers, follow these practical tips for selecting the correct water temperature:
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Measure Water Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure you have the right water temperature for your flowers. Cold water should be around 4-7°C (39-45°F) if from the fridge or water dispenser and around 10-15°C (50-59°F) from the tap. Lukewarm water should be around 20-30°C (68-86°F).
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Mixing Water Temperatures: If you don’t have a thermometer, mix cold tap water with a little warm water from the kettle to achieve a lukewarm temperature.
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Change Water Regularly: Regardless of the temperature, change the water every 2-3 days and clean the vase to prevent bacteria buildup. This practice ensures that your flowers remain hydrated and fresh.
Flower-Specific Water Temperature Guide
Here’s a quick reference guide for choosing the right water temperature based on flower type:
Cold Water (4-15°C / 39-59°F):
Tulips: Cold water slows growth and maintains their upright form.
Daffodils: Cold water helps prevent these flowers from opening too quickly.
Anemones: Benefit from cold water to maintain their structure.
Lukewarm Water (20-30°C / 68-86°F):
Roses: Lukewarm water promotes hydration and helps them open fully.
Hydrangeas: Lukewarm water helps these thirsty flowers absorb more water and stay fresh.
Orchids: Prefer lukewarm water as it mimics their natural tropical environment.
Sunflowers: Benefit from lukewarm water to keep stems hydrated and blooms bright.
Conclusion: The Right Water Temperature for Lasting Blooms
Choosing the right water temperature for your flowers can make a significant difference in how long they stay fresh and vibrant. For hardy flowers or those you wish to preserve for a longer time, cold water is the way to go. On the other hand, lukewarm water is ideal for delicate, thirsty flowers that need quick hydration or if you want to encourage your flowers to bloom faster.
By understanding the needs of your flowers and following these tips, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting blooms in your vase. For more expert flower care advice, check out a couple of our other blogs on flower care:
Expert Tips for Keeping Your Flowers Alive in a Vase
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy your fresh flowers for as long as possible. Happy arranging!
Kate x
