How to Keep a Flower Bouquet Hydrated During Delivery

To keep a flower bouquet hydrated during delivery, follow these best practices:

1. Use a water source: Wrap the stems in a damp paper towel or floral foam soaked in water. Place the wrapped stems inside a plastic bag or a floral water tube (vial) to retain moisture. Secure the bag or tube with a rubber band or tape to prevent leakage.

2. Keep cool: Flowers stay fresher in cooler temperatures. If possible, store the bouquet in a cool environment before and during transit, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources like car dashboards. Using an insulated box or cooler can help maintain a stable temperature.

3. Minimize transit time: Plan the delivery to minimize the time the flowers spend out of water. If the delivery involves long distances, consider using an overnight or expedited shipping service to reduce dehydration risk.

4. Hydrate before shipping: Before packaging, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle under water to maximize water uptake. Place the bouquet in a vase with clean water and flower preservative (floral food) for a few hours prior to delivery to ensure the flowers are fully hydrated.

5. Protect during transport: Use a sturdy box to prevent the bouquet from shifting or getting crushed. Secure the water source and bouquet inside the box with padding (e.g., tissue paper or bubble wrap) to avoid movement and damage.

6. Avoid extreme conditions: If delivering in extreme weather (e.g., freezing cold or intense heat), take extra precautions like using insulated packaging or climate-controlled transport to protect the flowers from temperature stress.

For local deliveries, a simple water tube or damp towel setup often suffices. For longer deliveries, such as cross-country shipping, combining hydration with temperature control and expedited shipping is ideal. Upon arrival, instruct the recipient to immediately trim the stems and place the bouquet in fresh water with floral preservative to revive and maintain freshness.