How to Keep Your Flowers Fresh Longer

There's nothing quite like receiving a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. With proper care, you can extend the life of your arrangement significantly, enjoying their beauty for up to two weeks or more. Here are our expert tips for keeping your flowers looking fresh and vibrant.

Start with a Clean Vase

Bacteria is the biggest enemy of fresh flowers. Before arranging your blooms, wash your vase thoroughly with hot soapy water. A drop of bleach can help eliminate any lingering bacteria. Rinse well and fill with fresh, lukewarm water.

Trim the Stems Properly

Cut about 2-3 centimeters off each stem at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors or a knife. This angle increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase. Re-trim every few days to maintain fresh cuts.

Remove Lower Leaves

Any leaves that would be submerged in water should be removed. Underwater foliage rots quickly and breeds bacteria, which shortens the life of your flowers. Keep only the leaves that will be above the water line.

Use Flower Food

The little packet of flower food that comes with your bouquet is more important than you might think. It contains sugars to nourish the flowers, acidifiers to help water travel up the stem, and biocides to reduce bacteria growth. If you don't have flower food, a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of bleach can help.

Find the Right Spot

Keep your arrangement away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and ripening fruit (which releases ethylene gas that ages flowers). A cool spot with indirect light is ideal. At night, consider moving flowers to an even cooler location to extend their life.

Change the Water Regularly

Fresh water is essential. Change the water completely every 2-3 days, or whenever it starts to look cloudy. Each time you change the water, re-trim the stems and add fresh flower food. This simple routine can double the life of your arrangement.