Tips for Choosing and Caring for Early Spring Flowers
As we sit deep in Melbourne’s winter chill, the promise of spring may feel like a distant dream. But at the flower markets, the first signs of the new season are starting to bloom. We’re seeing sunny daffodils, fragrant jonquils, elegant anemones, tulips, hyacinths, and sweet ranunculus begin to pop up—and oh, how they lift the mood!
These early spring arrivals are a welcome burst of colour and scent, bringing with them the joyful reminder that warmer, lighter days are just around the corner. Whether you’re growing spring goodies in your own garden or treating yourself to cut blooms from your favourite local florist (hello from us at Dahlia and Thyme!), it’s helpful to know how to best care for these seasonal stunners.
A Word of Caution: Keep Daffodils and Jonquils Separate (at First)
Daffodils and jonquils produce a slimy, clear sap when cut—beautiful but a bit fussy! This sap is toxic to other flowers and can shorten their lifespan if mixed too soon.
Florist Tip:
When you bring these into your home, cut the stems and place them in a vase on their own.
Let them rest in clean, cool water for at least 6–12 hours, ideally overnight.
Do not recut the stems when you’re ready to arrange them with other flowers—just rinse and move them to their final vase. Once the sap has drained out, they’re safe to mix in.
Choosing the Best Spring Blooms
When selecting spring flowers (especially from local markets or your florist), look for:
- Tight buds just starting to open – these will last longer and give you the pleasure
of watching them bloom. - Firm, upright stems without any mushiness or bend at the base.
- Bright colour and fragrance – avoid blooms that appear wilted, tired or faded.
- For tulips and ranunculus, avoid stems that are floppy or slimy as they’re likely past their best.
Caring for Cut Spring Flowers
Spring blooms are often more delicate and water-sensitive than summer flowers, so treat them with extra care:
- Use cool to room-temperature water, never hot.
- Change the water daily, or at least every second day.
- Trim about 1–2cm off the stems on a diagonal every couple of days to keep them fresh.
- Keep the arrangement away from heaters, sunny windows, or drafts—spring blooms
prefer a cool spot!
For tulips: these beauties keep growing in the vase! You’ll notice them stretch and bend toward the light. Give them space to move, or pair them with firmer stems to guide their shape.
For hyacinths: they can become top-heavy, so a taller vase with good support will help them stay upright.
Storing & Styling Tips
If you’re not arranging flowers right away, keep them in a cool, dark spot with their stems in water.
Don’t store near fruit—ripening fruit releases ethylene gas that can age flowers faster.
Spring flowers look especially lovely styled in textural ceramic or glass vessels—their soft petals and colours pair beautifully with organic materials and minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts from the Studio
Even in the middle of winter, the arrival of spring blooms is like a whisper of hope—bright, cheerful, and full of life. At Dahlia and Thyme, we adore seeing the first crates of anemones, daffodils, and sweet peas arrive at the flower market. Their fragrance and freshness never fail to lift the spirits.
If you’d love a little taste of spring now, give us a call and we will have some Spring blooms for you!
Mark Your Calendar: Daffodil Day – August 21st
Spring blooms are more than just pretty—they also carry powerful meaning. Daffodil Day, the Cancer Council’s annual fundraiser, will be held on Wednesday, August 21st this year.
Daffodils are the symbol of hope and resilience in the fight against cancer. Why not support this wonderful organisation as they work to advance cancer research and offer support services to families and individuals affected?
I hope you’ll join me in purchasing a bunch (or two!) this Daffodil Day. a real difference.