A Florist Guide to Checking Freshness in Different Varieties of Cut Flowers
Please be advised that this bouquet will not be available for purchase on the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th of May 2026.
Overwhelmed by the choice of bouquets? Looking for a stunning original creation that will be a delightful surprise? Then look no further than our Florist’s Choice Bouquet. Crafted by your master florists using the best of the flowers delivered from our growers on the day, the blooms will be something sure to make your occasion unique and one to remember.
Proceed to checkout to choose a Delivery Date and write a Message Card.
Flower variety will differ according to seasonality, so our Florist’s Choice Bouquet will be different in flower variety, colour and style from the photograph, but will always feature stems of the same quality and value.
This bouquet is available in four sizes:
:: Small bouquet measures approximately 25cm in diameter
:: Medium bouquet measures approximately 30cm in diameter
:: Large bouquet measures approximately 35cm in diameter
:: Extra Large bouquet measures approximately 40cm in diameter
Image represents Extra Large size
You can add a glass vase to your order here
When selecting cut flowers, whether from a florist, market, or garden, ensuring freshness is essential for a long-lasting bouquet. Different flowers have unique indicators of freshness, so it's important to know what to look for in each variety. Here’s a comprehensive flower delivery guide to assessing the freshness of various types of cut flowers.
General Tips for All Flowers
Stems: Fresh flowers have firm, green, and moist stems. Avoid flowers with slimy or brown stems.
Leaves: Look for vibrant, healthy leaves free of yellowing or wilting.
Petals: Petals should be intact, vibrant, and free of bruises or browning edges.
Water Quality: If flowers are displayed in water, it should be clear and odor-free.
Touch Test: Gently squeeze the base of the flower head; it should feel firm, not soft or squishy.
Specific Flower Varieties
Roses
Check the Petals: Outer petals (guard petals) may appear slightly worn but should protect firm, tight inner petals.
Head Stiffness: Hold the rose just below the bloom and gently wiggle. A fresh rose will have a firm head that doesn’t flop.
Color: Vibrant, even coloring without fading or browning at the edges.
Tulips
Petal Strength: Fresh tulips have crisp petals that feel smooth and waxy. Avoid flowers with petals starting to curl or discolor.
Stem Condition: The stems should be upright and sturdy. Wilted or drooping stems indicate aging.
Movement: Tulips often continue to grow after cutting, so mild upward curvature can still be fresh.
Lilies
Bud Condition: Fresh lilies will have mostly closed or just-opening buds. Fully opened flowers indicate shorter vase life.
Petal Texture: Avoid petals with bruises, tears, or brown spots.
Stamens: Pollen-covered stamens should be intact. Excessive shedding of pollen is a sign of aging.
Carnations
Petal Layers: Fresh carnations have densely packed, slightly ruffled petals. Look for fullness and symmetry.
Stem Firmness: The stem should feel firm and slightly springy when squeezed.
Color Uniformity: Vibrant, consistent coloring is key. Faded or translucent petals are signs of deterioration.
Daisies and Gerberas
Center Disc: The central part of the flower should be tight and firm. A fluffy or shedding center indicates aging.
Stem Strength: Stems should be strong and upright, as drooping stems suggest the flower is past its prime.
Petals: Look for smooth, vibrant petals without curling or discoloration.
Sunflowers
Petal Condition: Petals should be bright and intact. Browning or missing petals are signs of aging.
Center Color: The center of the sunflower should appear dark and full. Yellowing or shedding seeds indicate age.
Stem Moisture: Fresh stems will be firm and moist, not dry or cracked.
Orchids
Petal Health: Fresh orchid petals are firm and waxy, without blemishes or tears.
Stem Ends: Check the ends of the stems for any signs of browning or drying out.
Leaf Condition: If the orchid has leaves, they should be bright green and free from spots or discoloration.
Peonies
Bud Firmness: Fresh peonies often arrive as tight or semi-open buds. Fully open blooms mean the flower is nearing the end of its life.
Petal Texture: Petals should be soft but not fragile, with no signs of wilting or browning.
Stem Health: Firm, green stems indicate freshness.
Hydrangeas
Petal Plumpness: The petals should feel firm and full, not wilted or soft.
Color: Vibrant, even color across the bloom is a sign of freshness.
Stem Test: Check the base of the stem; it should feel moist and not split or dry.
Freesias
Bud Progression: Fresh freesias have a mix of closed and slightly open buds. Fully open blooms indicate less vase life.
Fragrance: Fresh freesias have a strong, sweet fragrance, which diminishes as they age.
Stem Condition: Upright, sturdy stems are a good sign of freshness.
Chrysanthemums
Petal Fullness: Look for dense, vibrant blooms with intact petals.
Center Disc: In daisy-like chrysanthemums, the center should be tight and not fluffy or shedding.
Stem Firmness: Stems should be firm and fresh, not soft or slimy.
Snapdragons
Blossom Position: Fresh snapdragons have tightly clustered blooms at the top of the stalk. Gaps between blossoms indicate aging.
Stem Rigidity: Upright stems are a good indicator of freshness.
Color Vibrancy: Check for bright, bold colors without fading.
Additional Tips for Longevity
Buy Early in the Day: Flowers are often restocked in the morning, ensuring the freshest selection.
Inspect the Water: Flowers displayed in clean water with no foul odor are likely to be fresher.
Check Delivery Conditions: If purchasing pre-arranged bouquets, ask when the arrangement was made.
By understanding these variety-specific indicators, you can confidently select the freshest flowers for any occasion, ensuring they remain vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible.
