The Ultimate Guide to Proper Flower Storage – Gro Indoor
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The Complete Guide to Proper Flower Storage

by 09 Apr 2023

Flower Storage - An Ultimate Guide to Harvest Preservation

You've put in the work, and your harvest is finally ready. But the job isn't quite done. Proper flower storage is the crucial final step to protect all that effort. Whether you're a hobby gardener or a commercial grower, knowing how to preserve your flowers correctly makes all the difference in your final product. This guide breaks down everything you need to know into simple, actionable steps. We'll show you how to create the perfect environment to keep your flowers fresh, potent, and flavorful for as long as possible.

Using the proper packaging for your flowers will ensure that your flower can sit on shelves for 3-4 months without losing potency. We are sharing some best practices for storing your flower. We share the blend of our product and knowledge with you to help you nail the final step of the plant growing process. But let's look into why it is essential to store the flower and what will happen if we get it wrong.

Why Proper Flower Storage is So Important

In this part, we will cover the breakdowns you can experience if you don't store your flower correctly. It causes degradation over time and a loss of quality. These sway true not just for your flower buds but anything you grow from the ground, such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables.

Degradation of Terpene and Flavonoid

When buds age, the first thing that goes is taste and smell. It happened because terpenes and flavonoids started to deteriorate. It is a natural process that the flower faces over time. But to control the process of degradation, too, not begin quickly. Make sure to store flowers properly. That results in excellent quality and fresh aroma.

Breakdown of Compound Loss of Strength

As with time, flavonoids and terpenes start deteriorating. In the same way, some essential compounds in your flower start reducing their concentration. You can lose the compounds that you love in your buds.

Physical Appearance of Flowers

Apart from terpenes deteriorate and lose essential compounds. If you do not store flowers properly, then with time, you will see the blow in flowers' structure and physical aspects.

To understand more clearly, if you don't store flowers in favorable condition or put them under direct sunlight, they will dry and crumble in your hands. The color may fade if you don't store them correctly.

How Long Does Buds and Flower Last Before Degradation?

These two factors play an important in keeping flowers last long, that is - dry and cure. If you keep a wet flower in a jar, then the bud starts getting discolor, which we commonly call bud rot, in planters' language. If you over-dry your bud, it results in a bad aroma and flavor. It is very sensitive to handle. The only way to store your flower for a long time is ' first dry your jar so the excess moisture will dry. If you nail the dry and cure right, your flower will last longer.

According to one research, there is a 15% loss in potency after one year. For the time being, the flower loses its potency by 10% every next year. There is no study for terpene and flavonoids, but there must be some loss.

How to Store Flower as Long as Possible

Let's jump into some tips and tricks on protecting flowers so they last longer. Check out our guide on properly drying and curing flowers and storing them for a long time, as mentioned above.

Choosing the Right Container

The proven way to store your bud lies in selecting the right container. You can use top-quality stainless steel or glass container. Use harvest keeper stainless and ball mason jars to store and cure your flower. They are highly effective in keeping the flower fresh for a long time without trichomes falling apart. Let's cover the significance of the atmosphere.

Stainless Steel vs. Glass Jars: Which Is Better?

Visit our website Groindoor.com harvest section and quickly find both stainless steel containers and glass jars. If you are wondering which one is superior to the other? It depends upon personal choice. On the brighter side, stainless steel containers can block the light from coming in, affecting your flower potency.

Apart from glass and stainless steel containers, we recommend that you not use plastic jars bags that you buy from a dispensary as it is not good for storage. It damages and fries the trichomes and does not block the light from coming in.

Types of General-Purpose Floral Containers

While glass and stainless steel jars are fantastic for long-term curing, your needs might call for different types of containers, especially when handling fresh-cut flowers or organizing a larger harvest. There are countless flower storage ideas out there, ranging from simple baskets and stackable bins to specialized floral containers. Many are designed with features like lids and handles to make organization easier and protect your delicate flowers from damage. The key is to choose a container that fits the quantity and type of flowers you're storing, ensuring they have enough space and are shielded from physical harm.

For fresh-cut flowers, the container is just one part of the equation. Using a specialized holding solution inside your vase or bucket can make a world of difference, providing nutrients and extending freshness. Regardless of the container you choose, remember that the storage environment is critical. Always keep your flowers in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. It's also a good idea to keep them separate from fruits and vegetables, which release gases that can cause your flowers to wilt much faster.

Consider Vacuum Sealing for Storing

Another way to retain the quality of your flower and buds is to use a vacuum seal. A vacuum seal works best when you have lots of flowers and don't plan to use them for an extended period. The vacuum seal does allow air or light to enter and affects the quality of your flowers. But remember to keep it in the closet as UV rays may still affect it.

How About Freezing Buds?

Not a bad idea when done carefully as many growers freeze their harvest, but they are professionals. Keep in mind, handle bags carefully when you are freezing buds as the trichomes can damage very quickly.

Now, you may be the thing to opt for a refrigerator for this purpose. Say 'Big No' to refrigerators. Please don't go for the middle option either keep buds at room temperature or put them in the freezer.

Add Humidiccants if Required

Remoisturize your stored flowers by adding Humidiccants to them. As flowers have dried out with long-term storage, having Humidiccants is so far the best option. Many planters recover flowers from over-drying by keeping them in Boveda packs container and adding Humidiccants into it.

Creating Ideal Environment for Storing

When you plan to store your flowers, make sure the container is clean and has no excess moisture. Make sure the jar never comes in direct contact with the sun. Temperature also plays an important role. The ideal temperature for storing is approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Suppose the temperature has not maintained the compounds in buds broken down. Keeping the jar in the dark place with a stable temperature is good.

There is one more thing you need to know how to store the flowers in a jar. Fill the jar in 3/4 way so that there is space for buds to breathe. If it is less than 3/4, it will cause too much oxygen in the jar.

Storing Fresh-Cut Flower Bouquets

While the principles of storing harvested flowers focus on preserving potency and flavor, keeping fresh-cut bouquets vibrant is all about extending their beauty. The goal here is different, and so are the methods. Proper storage for a decorative bouquet means keeping the petals perky, the colors bright, and the stems hydrated for as long as possible. It’s a delicate balance of temperature, light, and moisture. Getting it right can mean enjoying your beautiful arrangement for a week or more, while a simple mistake could cause it to wilt in just a day or two. Let's walk through the best practices for keeping those gorgeous blooms looking their best.

The Best Place to Keep Fresh Bouquets

It might seem intuitive to pop a bouquet in the refrigerator to keep it fresh, but this is a common mistake you’ll want to avoid. Most refrigerators are actually too cold for flowers and can damage the delicate petals. More importantly, many fruits and vegetables stored in your fridge release ethylene gas, an invisible agent that significantly speeds up the aging process in flowers, causing them to wilt and die much faster. Instead, the ideal spot for your bouquet is a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A basement or a little-used closet are great options to help your flowers stay fresh before you display them.

A Special Note on Corsages and Boutonnieres

There is one key exception to the no-fridge rule: corsages and boutonnieres. Because these smaller arrangements are typically worn and aren't sitting in a vase of water, they are much more susceptible to wilting. For these, the refrigerator is your best friend, but with a specific technique. You’ll want to create what florists call a "hydration chamber." This sounds complicated, but it’s quite simple. Just place the corsage or boutonniere in a sealed container or a plastic bag that has been lightly misted with water. This traps moisture, keeping the flowers hydrated and crisp while protecting them from the drying air and any ethylene gas in the fridge.

Using Professional Solutions for Cut Flowers

Just as growing plants require specific nutrients to thrive, cut flowers benefit immensely from professional floral solutions designed to extend their vase life. Products like Floralife® are formulated to provide everything a cut flower needs once it's separated from the plant. These solutions work by hydrating the stems efficiently, providing essential food to keep the blooms nourished, and often include agents that prevent buds from opening too quickly. Using one of these treatments, which often comes in a small packet with a purchased bouquet, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to preserve your flowers' freshness during storage and display.

Storage Ideas for Artificial and Decorative Flowers

Moving on from fresh flowers, let's talk about storing their artificial counterparts. Whether you have a collection of silk flowers for seasonal decor or use them for crafting, proper storage is key to protecting your investment. Unlike fresh flowers, the enemies here aren't wilting and decay, but rather dust, fading, and crushing. Storing them correctly ensures they remain vibrant and hold their shape, so they’re ready to go whenever you need them. With a little creativity, you can find storage solutions that are both practical and fit seamlessly into your home or workspace, keeping your decorative flowers in perfect condition for years to come.

Creative and DIY Storage Solutions

You don’t need an elaborate system to keep your artificial flowers organized and safe. In fact, some of the best solutions are creative DIY projects using repurposed items. For example, you can hang an old baby crib spring on the wall and use clothespins to clip individual stems to it, turning your storage into a rustic display piece. Another simple idea is to hang them upside down from hangers in a closet, which keeps them dust-free and prevents the petals from getting crushed. Clear plastic bins are also a great option, as they allow you to see what’s inside while protecting the flowers from dust and moisture. The key is to find a method that keeps them separated and uncompressed.

Displaying Flowers in a Shop or Home

For business owners or serious hobbyists, good flower storage is often about combining organization with aesthetics. After all, your supplies can be part of your decor. Instead of hiding your beautiful artificial flowers away, consider making them a feature of your room or shop. You can use wall-mounted grid panels with clips or hooks to create a colorful and easily accessible flower wall. Tiered plant stands or rolling carts can also be used to hold vases or buckets filled with different types of flowers, making it easy to see your inventory at a glance. This approach not only keeps your flowers in great shape but also serves as inspiration for your next project or arrangement.

Flower Storage in a Nut Shell

Now that you are knowledgeable about flower storage, hurry up, visit our site at GroIndoor.com and grab the container that works best for you. Along with this, don't forget to grab Humidiccants, or you can even try a vacuum sealer.

Remember to store in a clean, moisture-free container in a dark place. So you can store it for one year without the hydro floss in potency, aroma, and quality.

Jul 26th 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I just store my harvested flowers in a plastic bag? While it might seem convenient, plastic bags are not a great choice for long-term storage. The plastic can create static, which pulls the fine, delicate parts of your flowers off. Plus, bags aren't truly airtight and don't block light, which means the aroma, flavor, and potency of your harvest will degrade much more quickly than if stored in a proper glass or stainless steel container.

My dried flowers feel a little too dry and brittle. Is there any way to fix them? Yes, you can definitely help them recover. If your flowers have become over-dried during storage, you can reintroduce a controlled amount of moisture using a humidiccant pack. Products like Boveda packs are designed for this exact purpose. Simply add one to your airtight container, and it will slowly bring the contents back to the ideal humidity level without making them damp or risking mold.

What's the best place in my house to keep my storage jars? The ideal spot is somewhere with a stable, cool temperature that is completely dark. Think of a closet in a cool room, a pantry, or a cabinet that's not located near any appliances that produce heat. The main goal is to protect your jars from temperature fluctuations and any exposure to light, as both can speed up the breakdown of your flowers' essential compounds.

Is it a good idea to put a fresh flower bouquet in the refrigerator? For a standard bouquet in a vase, you should avoid the refrigerator. Many fruits and vegetables you store in there release ethylene gas, which will cause your flowers to wilt and age very quickly. A cool spot in your home away from direct sunlight is a much better option. The only time a fridge is helpful is for small arrangements without a water source, like a corsage, which can be placed in a sealed container to stay fresh.

Should I pack my storage container as tightly as possible with flowers? It's actually better to leave a little bit of room. A good rule of thumb is to fill your jar about three-quarters full. This leaves enough air for the flowers to breathe, which is important for the curing process. Too much empty space means too much oxygen, which can cause your flowers to degrade faster, while not enough space can trap moisture.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Storage Environment is Everything: To preserve the quality of your harvest, store it in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature. Light and heat are the primary causes of degradation, breaking down the essential compounds that define your flower's aroma and potency.
  • The Right Container Makes a Difference: Use airtight glass or stainless steel jars for long-term storage, as they protect delicate trichomes and prevent air exchange. For best results, fill jars about three-quarters full to achieve the ideal oxygen balance for curing.
  • Treat Fresh-Cut Bouquets Differently: The goal for decorative flowers is hydration, not preservation. Keep bouquets out of the main refrigerator (where fruit releases wilting gases) and place them in a cool room with a floral preservative to extend their beauty.

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