Sunflowers in vases: cut & place in hot water

Sunflowers in vases are a real summer greeting. To make the cut flowers last as long as possible, we have a few tips and tricks for you.

Sunflowers (Helianthus) not only visually delight us in the garden. If you want to bring the summer sun to your breakfast table, grab a pair of pruning shears and fill your favourite vase with the golden yellow blooms. If a few simple things are observed when pruning, you can even extend the life of sunflowers in vases. So the sun (almost) never sets on you.

Cutting sunflowers for the vase

If a little attention is paid to the needs of these sunny plants when cutting, the flowers will delight you in their vase for up to two weeks. Even choosing the time of cutting can influence their subsequent shelf life in the vase. The best time for cutting here is early morning on a dry day. Select a flower that has just begun to open. Flowers that are already fully open do not last long in the vase. Cut the stem of the sunflower at the desired height. However, use only clean and sharp tools for cutting. Remove the lower leaves. The vase with the freshly cut flower is then best placed in a location protected from drafts and blazing sun.

How to cut sunflowers correctly

With a little pruning skill, you can enjoy sunflowers in the vase for a little longer. This is because skilful pruning not only improves water and nutrient absorption but also reduces the risk of rot. Cut the stem with sharp scissors at an angle at the bottom, approximately two centimetres. In this way, the cut surface is enlarged and water and oxygen can be better absorbed. For maximum shelf life in the vase, the vertical incision is then repeated every two days.

Putting sunflowers in hot water

You often hear that you should briefly dip the stems in hot water before serving their decorative purpose in a vase. This is to prevent the development of rot by drying up the cut surface and thus closing it. However, opinions differ on this tip. Researchers from Geisenheim have even found that the hot bath shortens the flower shelf life. We recommend that you try both and make up your own mind. However, it is important that the stems are really only held in the hot water for a few seconds.

Sunflowers in vases: changing the water

Change the water in the vase every day. This prevents unpleasant odours even without fresh flowers. Always use lukewarm water when changing the water – the sun worshippers do not like cold water at all.

Sunflowers are not only found in fields by the roadside – you can also grow the beautiful flowers in pots. Here are our best planting and care tips for sunflowers in pots.