What technique gives optimum sunflower vase life?
Recipes for vase life of cut flowers are as numerous as soup recipes. There are literally millions of suggestions about how sunflowers should be handled after cutting to assure long vase life.
Almost all growers agree that flowers are best when cut from plants that are not stressed. During the heat of summer it seems reasonable to assume that a stem cut from a plant will remain healthy longer if the plant is well hydrated at time of cutting.
Not only does this mean that it is ideal that the plant being cut have adequate soil moisture available, but it also means that it is best to cut sunflowers in the early morning before the leaves on the plant begin transpiring – or losing water. Remember on bright sunny days, the sunflower plants are photosynthesizing and the demand for water in the plant is at its maximum.
To extend the vase life of sunflower a number of commercial preservatives are available such as Floralife Crystal Clear. Solutions made of these flower preservatives contain sugars for nutrition, bacteria fighting compounds, and slight acid in some form to acidify the water.
Finally, remember that your flowers appreciate a fresh, clean start every three days or so. Change the solution in your vase and re-cut the ends of the stems to promote longer vase life.
Source: sunflowerselections.com