Cut flowers bring a touch of beauty and nature into any space, whether they’re a bouquet gifted from a loved one, a pick-me-up treat for yourself, or blooms from your garden. Proper care can ensure they stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. In this post, we’ll guide you through simple but effective ways to extend the life of your cut flowers.

1. Start With a Clean Vase

Before placing your flowers in a vase, make sure it’s squeaky clean. Residual bacteria can quickly shorten the lifespan of your blooms. Wash the vase with warm water and dish soap, and rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.

2. Trim the Stems

Cut flowers need a fresh trim before going into water. Using sharp scissors or garden shears, cut about 1–2 inches off the stems at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption. Repeat this step every two to three days for optimal hydration.

3. Remove Foliage Below the Water Line

Leaves submerged in water can rot and promote bacterial growth, which can harm your flowers. Strip off any foliage that would sit below the water level in your vase.

4. Use Fresh, Lukewarm Water

Fill your vase with lukewarm water—flowers absorb it more easily than cold water. Replace the water every two days to keep it clean and oxygenated. When you change the water, give the stems another trim for maximum freshness.

5. Adding Flower Food?

Adding the floral food that comes in the little packets will indeed increase the life of your fresh flowers IF..and only IF it is used exactly as prescribed. This means EVERY time you fill your vase you must use the food, which has been made using the exact correct measurement stated on the packet! Every time you fill the vase, this exact solution must be used. If you simply pour the packet into a bunch of water and use plain water to refill, then it actually reduces the life of your flowers. We all know that 99% of people will not take the time to measure it all our exactly, therefor we don't include the packets with our flowers.  The most important thing to prolong the life of your flowers is a absolutely clean vase every 2-3 days! We have tested instore and this will increase the life of your flowers significantly.

6. Keep Them Cool and Away From Drafts

Cut flowers last longer in a cool, stable environment. Avoid placing your bouquet in direct sunlight, near heating vents, or in drafty areas. Heat and sudden temperature changes can stress the blooms and cause them to wilt prematurely.

7. Avoid Ripening Fruit and cigarette smoke,

Fruit like apples and bananas and emit ethylene gas as they ripen, which can speed up the aging process of your flowers. Keep your blooms at a safe distance from your fruit bowl. Cigarette smoke with also significantly decrease the life of your blooms. 

8. Refresh and Rearrange

As days go by, some blooms may wilt faster than others. Remove any spent flowers from the arrangement to prevent bacteria from spreading to the healthy ones. This not only prolongs the life of your bouquet but also keeps it looking tidy and vibrant.

9. Enjoy the Beauty

While no bouquet lasts forever, proper care ensures you’ll enjoy its beauty for as long as possible. Embrace the charm of each stage, from fresh blooms to the soft, fading elegance of petals.

Caring for your cut flowers doesn’t have to be complicated. A little effort goes a long way in extending their life, allowing you to fully enjoy their beauty and fragrance. Whether they’re gracing your dining table or adding a pop of color to your workspace, your blooms deserve the best care.