Sunflowers are a vibrant and cheerful addition to any space, bringing a touch of sunshine to any tablescape. However, arranging sunflowers to last and look their best in a vase requires a bit of know-how. Follow these five easy tips for arranging sunflowers to create stunning displays that stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make sunflowers last longer in a vase or how to make a sunflower arrangement in a tall vase, these tips will guide you every step of the way.
Love the look of the table paired with this sunflower arrangement? Check out my Tuscan summer tablescape post next!
How to Make a Sunflower Arrangement
Helpful flower arranging tools:
1. Choose Fresh Sunflowers
The first step in how to make a sunflower arrangement is to select the freshest flowers possible. Look for sunflowers with firm stems and vibrant, fully-opened petals. Avoid any with wilting or discolored petals. Fresh sunflowers will not only last longer but also stand up better in your arrangement.
If you’re picking sunflowers from your garden, cut them early in the morning when they’re most hydrated. Fresh-cut sunflowers are ideal for creating beautiful arrangements that last.
2. Prepare Your Vase
A clean vase is essential for keeping your sunflowers fresh. Wash your vase thoroughly with soap and water to remove any bacteria that could shorten the lifespan of your flowers.
For a tall vase, make sure it’s sturdy enough to support the weight of the sunflowers.
Fill the vase with room-temperature water and add a floral preservative to nourish the flowers and prevent bacterial growth. Using clean water and a floral preservative is key to keeping your sunflower arrangements fresh.
Best Vases for Sunflower Arrangements:
3. Use Floral Tape for Structure
To create a rounded-out sunflower arrangement that stands up well, use floral tape to create a grid across the top of the vase. I used white floral tape and made sure to create a grid made out of smaller squares to support the weight of the stem of some of the bigger sunflower stems. This technique helps support the stems and keeps them in place, allowing you to achieve a balanced and professional-looking display. I used clear flower tape, but I also suggest green floral tape since it’s a bit thicker and can create an even studier grid. If you choose to use the green floral tape, make sure that you cut it very close to the edge of the vase and place the flowers and greenery in a way to cover the edges of the tape.
To create the grid simply stretch the floral tape across the vase’s opening in a crisscross pattern, forming small squares.
4. Trim and Arrange the Stems
Cutting the stems at a 45-degree angle increases the surface area for water absorption, helping your sunflowers last longer in the vase. Remove any leaves that will be submerged in the water to prevent rot.
Arrange the sunflowers by inserting them through the grid you’ve created with the floral tape. Start with the tallest sunflowers in the center and gradually add shorter ones around the edges to create a dome shape.
To add texture and fill gaps, incorporate yellow solidago around the sunflowers. This method ensures your sunflower arrangement remains upright and while also adding to the overall beauty of the sunflower arrangement.
5. Maintain Your Arrangement
To make sure your sunflower arrangement lasts as long as possible, change the water every two to three days. Re-cut the stems slightly each time you change the water to keep them absorbing nutrients effectively. Keep the arrangement out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, as extreme temperatures can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely. Mist the flowers lightly with water to keep them hydrated and looking fresh. Also, avoid placing your arrangement in direct sunlight or hot water, as this can accelerate the wilting process.
Bonus Tip: How to Make a Sunflower Arrangement in a Tall Vase
When arranging sunflowers in a tall vase, the principles remain the same, but pay extra attention to the height and stability of the flowers. Ensure the stems are long enough to peek above the vase’s rim but not so long that they become top-heavy and prone to tipping over. The floral tape grid is particularly useful in tall vases, providing additional support to keep your sunflowers upright and evenly distributed.
Best Tips for Long-Lasting Arrangements
Aside from tips for arranging sunflowers, I have some general tips that will help your arrangements last longer:
Change the Water Regularly: Fresh water is crucial for the longevity of your sunflowers. Bacteria build-up in stagnant water can shorten the life of your flowers. By changing the water every two to three days, you keep the environment clean and conducive to fresh blooms.
Re-cut the Stems: Each time you change the water, trim about an inch off the stems at a diagonal angle. This prevents the ends from becoming clogged and allows for better water uptake.
Use a Floral Preservative: If you don’t have a commercial floral preservative, you can make your own by adding a teaspoon of sugar, a teaspoon of white vinegar, and a few drops of bleach to the water. This mixture provides nutrients and helps inhibit bacterial growth.
Looking for more summery floral ideas? Check out our posts on creating an orchid centerpiece and an easy centerpiece using a tulipiere!
Arranging sunflowers to last longer and look their best is a simple yet rewarding task. By selecting fresh sunflowers, preparing your vase properly, using floral tape for structure, trimming and arranging the stems carefully, and maintaining your arrangement, you can enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting display. Whether you’re creating a sunflower arrangement for your home or a special occasion, these tips for arranging sunflowers will help you achieve stunning results. Happy arranging!