How To Keep Flowers Fresh For Longer

Flowers arrangements bring beauty, colour and fragrance to our homes. However, they can leave you feeling frustrated when they need to be replaced sooner than expected. Fortunately, you can significantly extend your flowers’ lifespan with the proper care and attention.

Whether you’re caring for a bouquet of roses, daisies or lilies, following some simple steps can help keep flowers fresh for longer. Here’s how:

Quality matters

Keeping your flower arrangement fresh for longer depends on the quality and condition of the flowers when you bring them home. Therefore, it’s essential for longevity that the floral bouquet you purchase is from a high-quality florist or floristry known for its high-quality, freshly cut flowers.

Choose Flowers That Are Buds and In Season

When selecting your flowers from a florist, it’s worth considering purchasing those that are just beginning to open or have firm buds. Flowers that have already bloomed may not last long, for they’re closer to the end of their natural life cycle, meaning they will wilt and fade more quickly than buds at the start of their journey. It’s also worth selecting flowers that are in season to extend the life of your bouquet. Not only do seasonal flowers better adapt to the current climate, making them less prone to stress and dehydration, but they’re naturally at their peak in terms of freshness.

Trim the Flower Stems

One of the most important steps to keeping flowers fresh for longer is trimming the stems before placing them in a vase of water. For best results, use shape scissors and cut 1-2 inches off the bottom of the stem at a 45-degree angle. This allows the stems to absorb more water and prevents them from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, blocking water flow. Following the method above, another good tip to extend the flowers’ lifespan is to cut the stems again after every water change and to remove any foliage. This will ensure the stems are placed into the vase clean, reducing bacteria growth.

Clean your Vase

Before arranging your bouquet, make sure your vase is thoroughly clean. Use hot, soapy water to remove any dirt and grime. Repeat this every time you change the water to prevent bacteria growth. Don’t forget to rinse out all the soap!

Renew the Water and Add Flower Food

Stale water with excess foliage and floating wilted flowers can promote bacteria growth, causing flowers to die much quicker. Therefore, it is recommended that you change the water every two to three days to ensure your vase stays clean. Each time you refresh the water, add a packet of flower food, which provides the essential nutrients flowers need to thrive and stay beautiful for longer.

Remove Excess Foliage and Wilted, Dead Flowers

Leaves attached to the stem are prone to rotting when submerged in water. The bacteria growth from the rotting leaves can spread to your healthy, blooming flowers. To avoid this, trim off any leaves on the stems submerged below the waterline in your vase and discard any wilted or dead flowers that have fallen into the water. This will ensure your water stays clean for longer, which is crucial to the lifespan of your flower arrangement.

Best Location for Cut Flowers

To prevent water from evaporating, causing your flowers to dehydrate and wilt, keep your vase away from radiators and appliances that emit warmth, such as the cooker or television. To preserve their freshness, choose cooler, shady and airy spaces. This will help your cut flowers retain moisture and stay vibrant.