How to Keep Gardenia Flowers Fresh

Gardenias are tender tropical shrubs that produce crisp white to creamy white blooms renowned for their rich sweet scent. Gardenia flowers have rather thick and smooth petals that can easily become brown and discolored when stressed or handled. Several steps can be taken to extend the life of the blooms and prevent the flowers from discoloring, no matter whether they are left on the plant, or harvested for use in cut flower arrangements.

Pruning shears

Isopropyl alcohol or household bleach

Water

White cotton gloves

Refrigerator

Enclosed plastic storage box

Cut gardenias with scrupulously clean pruning shears to prevent the introduction of bacteria or disease directly into the cut stem. Wipe down blades with isopropyl alcohol or a mixture of hot water and household bleach if in any doubt before cutting your gardenias.

Keep the flowers hydrated with plenty of fresh water whether cut or left on the shrub. With cut gardenias, change the vase water daily. Keep gardenias growing in soil that is evenly moist at all times and is never allowed to dry out.

Handle gardenia blooms by the stem or with hands covered with white cotton gloves. The natural oils on hands can quickly discolor the petals if handled directly. Don gloves if working with the flowers to create arrangements, bouquets, corsages, hair pieces and the like.

Store gardenias cut for arrangements or used in corsages inside a plastic (but not airtight) container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to prevent wilt and discoloration. Do not store in the same refrigerator with fruits and vegetables as the ethylene gas they give off can also prematurely age the blooms.