Caring for Your Mr Middleton Cut Flower Sunflowers
Posted by Mr Middleton on 7th Jul 2026
Fresh from Our Irish Fields to Your Home
Thank you for choosing Mr Middleton Cut Flower Sunflowers.
Your sunflowers have been harvested fresh from our fields in Ireland and delivered to you while still in bud. This is deliberate and ensures they arrive in perfect condition, open gradually in your home, and provide the longest possible vase life.
Follow these simple steps to enjoy your flowers for up to 7–10 days, and often even longer.
On Arrival
1. Carefully remove the flowers from their packaging as soon as they arrive.
2. Fill a clean vase with fresh, cool water.
3. Using a sharp knife or secateurs, trim 2–3cm from the base of each stem at a slight angle. This allows the stems to absorb water more efficiently.
4. Remove any leaves that would sit below the water level to keep the water clean.
5. Arrange the flowers immediately in the prepared vase.
Helping the Buds Open
Your sunflowers have been picked before they fully open, which is the secret to their freshness. To encourage the buds to bloom:
· Place the vase in a bright room with natural daylight.
· Keep the flowers at normal room temperature.
· Most buds will begin to open within 24–72 hours, revealing their full beauty over the following days.
Keep Them Looking Their Best
To maximise vase life:
· Change the water every 2 days.
· Wash the vase each time you change the water.
· Re-cut the stems by 1cm every few days.
· Keep the flowers away from direct sunlight, radiators and other heat sources.
· Avoid placing them beside bowls of ripening fruit, as fruit releases ethylene gas which causes flowers to age more quickly.
· Overnight Care Professional florists often place cut flowers in a cool room overnight to extend their life. While this isn't essential, moving your vase to a cooler room at night can help your sunflowers stay fresh for even longer.