DIY Flower Arrangements: How to Grow Your Own Bouquets
There's something truly special about creating your own flower arrangements. Whether you're designing a bouquet for a special occasion or simply brightening up your home with a little floral beauty, growing your own flowers gives you the satisfaction of seeing your hard work bloom.
Not only that, but it can also save you money compared to buying flowers from a florist. Plus, when you grow your own flowers, you get to pick the exact colours and varieties that suit your taste.
Here’s how you can grow your own beautiful blooms for DIY flower arrangements, from planting the seeds to crafting stunning bouquets.
Zinnias make colorful bouquets
Step 1: Choose the Right Flowers
The first step in growing your own bouquets is choosing the right flowers. Some flowers are better suited for cutting and arranging than others, as they have long stems, long-lasting blooms, and vibrant colours.
Best flowers for bouquets:
Sunflowers: Their large, vibrant blooms are perfect for creating a bold statement in any arrangement.
Dahlias: Available in a variety of colours and shapes, these flowers add texture and interest to your bouquets.
Roses: Timeless and elegant, roses are perfect for romantic bouquets and come in many varieties and colours.
Zinnias: These hardy, colourful flowers are great for adding a cheerful pop to any bouquet.
Peonies: With their soft, full blooms, peonies are perfect for creating a romantic or vintage-inspired bouquet.
If you're just starting your flower garden and want to get growing, you can find the perfect flowers to suit your needs by selecting seeds from Johnson's Flower Seeds. Their selection includes a variety of flowers ideal for cutting, giving you a range of options to help create your dream bouquet.
Sunflowers and dahlias
Step 2: Plant the Seeds
Once you’ve chosen your flowers, it’s time to start planting. Many flowers can be grown from seed, and planting them is a fun and rewarding process.
Prepare your soil: Choose a well-drained spot with plenty of sunlight. Flowers like full sun, so pick a location where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Plant your seeds: Follow the instructions on your seed packets for planting depth and spacing. Some flowers, like sunflowers, need a bit more space to grow, while others, like zinnias, can be planted a bit closer together.
Water regularly: Make sure your flowers receive enough water, especially during dry spells. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
If you're not interested in waiting for seeds to grow or want to add instant colour to your garden, consider purchasing mature flowers from Johnson's Flower Plants. They offer a wide range of plants that are ready to be planted directly into your garden, providing you with blooms in no time.
Step 3: Care for Your Flowers
To ensure your flowers grow strong and healthy, it’s important to care for them properly. This includes regular watering, occasional feeding with fertiliser, and watching out for pests or diseases.
Watering: Deeply water your flowers in the early morning to avoid fungal growth. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
Fertilising: Use a balanced fertiliser to encourage healthy growth. Follow the instructions on the label to avoid overfeeding.
Deadheading: To encourage more blooms, remove dead or spent flowers regularly.
If you're growing flowers like dahlias or sunflowers, be sure to provide staking for tall flowers to keep them upright as they grow.
Step 4: Harvesting Your Flowers
Once your flowers are in full bloom, it’s time to harvest them for your DIY bouquets. The best time to cut flowers is in the early morning or evening when they’re well-hydrated. Here’s how to do it:
Use sharp shears to make a clean cut just above a leaf node or branching point.
Cut at an angle to help the flowers absorb water better when placed in a vase.
Leave some flowers on the plant so that it can continue to bloom throughout the season.
Step 5: Arranging Your Flowers
Now that you’ve harvested your flowers, it's time to arrange them into a stunning bouquet. Here are a few tips to help you create a professional-looking arrangement:
Use a variety of flowers: Mix different shapes, sizes, and colours to create interest and balance. For example, pair large blooms like sunflowers with smaller ones like zinnias or lavender.
Trim the stems: Arrange the flowers with stems of different lengths for a natural look. Ensure that all the stems are cut to fit the height of your vase or container.
Add greenery: Use foliage like eucalyptus or ferns to add texture and volume to your bouquet.
Consider colour: Think about the colour palette you want to achieve. Soft pastels for a romantic feel, bright and bold hues for a cheerful arrangement, or even monochromatic bouquets for a modern look.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Beautiful Bouquets
Once your flowers are arranged, enjoy them in your home! Place them in a vase with fresh water, and keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every two days to extend the life of your bouquet.
Creating DIY flower arrangements is a fun and fulfilling activity that lets you bring the beauty of your garden into your home.
Whether you’re growing your own from seeds or adding ready-to-bloom flowers to your garden, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of crafting beautiful bouquets from your very own flowers!
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
