There’s nothing quite like a fresh bouquet or thriving plant to brighten up your home, but in the middle of a Toronto heatwave? That’s another story. With soaring summer temps and sticky humidity, keeping your flowers and plants fresh can feel like a full-time job.

Luckily, with a few expert tips (and a little love), you can keep your blooms looking beautiful and your plants perky, no matter how high the mercury climbs.

1. Keep Them Cool (But Not in the Fridge)

While you might be tempted to pop your bouquet in the fridge, drastic temperature changes can shock delicate blooms. Instead, place arrangements in a cool, shaded spot away from direct sunlight, AC vents, and heat sources like stoves or electronics.

For indoor plants, consider moving them away from windows during peak afternoon heat. Toronto apartments and condos with big south-facing windows? Try sheer curtains or a plant stand a few feet back.

2. Refresh the Water Daily

Hot weather = faster water evaporation. In the summer, your bouquet will thank you for a fresh water change every day. Rinse the vase, refill it with cool water, and re-trim the stems by about ½ inch to help your flowers absorb more water.

Pro tip: Add a floral preservative or a DIY mix (a pinch of sugar, lemon juice, and a drop of bleach) to keep bacteria at bay.

3. Mist Gently and Often

Humidity isn’t all bad; many flowers and tropical plants love a light mist. Spritzing your bouquet and leafy plants with water (especially in the morning) helps boost hydration. Avoid misting succulents or anything with fuzzy leaves, as moisture can lead to mold.

4. Watch for Wilting and Rotate Often

In a Toronto heatwave, even the hardiest blooms can start to fade. Check your arrangements daily and remove any wilting petals or browning stems to keep the rest of the bouquet fresher longer. For potted plants, rotate them every few days to prevent uneven sun exposure.

5. Choose Summer-Strong Flowers

Want blooms that last longer in the heat? Go for summer stars like zinnias, sunflowers, lisianthus, and alstroemeria. These flowers hold up better in high temperatures, and they look amazing in vibrant, garden-style arrangements.

When you order from Willem & Jools, we always choose seasonal, heat-hardy blooms that can handle the Toronto summer (and still look stunning).

6. Don’t Overwater Your Plants

It might feel counterintuitive, but more sun doesn’t always mean more water. Overwatering during a heatwave can drown your plants and lead to root rot, especially for indoor greenery. Stick to a schedule, use well-draining soil, and always check the top inch of soil before watering.

7. Go Green with Placement

For plants on your balcony or porch, group them together to create a microclimate. This helps retain humidity and protects delicate leaves from drying out. You can also place containers inside larger pots with mulch to insulate them from extreme heat. 

Your Summer Blooms, Delivered Fresh

At Willem & Jools, we handcraft every bouquet with fresh, seasonal flowers chosen for beauty and durability. Whether you're sending love across the GTA or picking up something special for yourself, we’ll make sure your blooms arrive garden-fresh, even in the middle of a heatwave.

Looking for long-lasting flowers or low-maintenance indoor plants that can handle the heat? Shop our summer collection today, and let the sunshine in.