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Easy Ways to Make Your Cut Flowers Last

Cut flowers brighten up any room they’re in, but they’re often short-lived joys, lasting just a few days. However, there are steps you can take to make them last as long as a few weeks.

Like flowers in the garden, your cut bouquets will need love. You’ll need to be religious about their care, but the rewards will pay off and you’ll find you’re replacing your flowers less frequently.

Floral experts say these tips will help keep your flowers healthy so they last.

Cut the Stems

Girl florist makes bouquet
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

I learned this later in life, but with cut flowers, whether from the supermarket or a florist, you should always cut the stems again before you put them in a vase.

Place the stems under running water and cut at an angle. This helps them drink water more efficiently. This isn’t a one-and-done job, though. To keep them looking fresh, you’ll need to trim the stems every two to three days.

Change the Water Consistently

Florist pours water into a vase in flower shop
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How many times have you put flowers in a vase with a bit of water and walked away? Typically, within a few days, they’re drooping and on their way out.

However, if you change the water consistently — every few days, or when it gets cloudy — you can actually keep your flowers vibrant for longer. When you change the water, though, it’s a good idea to trim the stems by about an inch as well.

Prune the Leaves

Woman trims the leaves from the stem of rose to prevent them from falling into the water in a vase, florist helps bouquet stay fresh looking
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

While you’re trimming the stems, make sure you remove all foliage from the part of the stem that will be in the water. When the leaves remain in the water, it can stimulate microbial growth.

This can prevent flowers from absorbing the water they need to thrive, especially when it gathers at the base. As you trim the stems shorter, make sure no foliage hits the water.

Store in Comfortable Environments

flowers in vase on dining room table
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Cut flowers thrive in cooler temperatures, which is why florists keep them in a refrigerator until they sell. However, it can be difficult to maintain that environment at home.

Instead, just keep the flowers away from direct sunlight and warm environments, like directly in front of a heater.

Add Flower Food

Person adding white flower food powder inside cut flower vase so cut flowers last longer fresh
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

If you buy a bouquet of flowers from the supermarket or a local florist, you’ll notice it comes with a packet of flower food. Most of the time, these are one-use only, though you can buy more.

Flower food can lengthen the life of your cut stems plus make them look even more vibrant. If you are using cut flowers from your own garden, you can find flower food at your local garden store or make your own.

Use Clean Vases

Modern home interior design, Scandinavian style concept. Beautiful young brunette woman arranging plants in vase
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

This should go without saying, but before you put your flowers in any vase, make sure it’s thoroughly clean. Using a dirty vase can introduce bacteria into the equation and shorten the lifespan of your flowers.

I always wash mine with dish soap or run them through the dishwasher before I use them, then store them upside down in a cabinet so no dust or debris can get inside. I also wash them immediately after use so they’re ready for the next time.

Remove Dead and Dying Flowers

Woman's hand pruning tips of cut spring flowers with scissors before putting them in vase, close-up. Oriental hyacinths and daffodils in glass vases on windowsill. Care for cut flowers.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Since there are often different varieties of flowers in a cut arrangement, it makes sense that some will die off quicker than others. In order to keep your flowers looking vibrant, just remove the dying or dead varieties instead of throwing the entire bouquet out.

You can do this while you’re trimming the stems and then rearrange the flowers to make up for the losses.

Author

  • Bonnie's interests include hiking, a passion she nurtured while living in Upstate New York, and cooking, gardening, and home decorating. These hobbies allow her to express her creativity and connect with nature, providing a well-rounded balance to her busy life. Through her professional achievements, community involvement, and personal pursuits, she embodies a holistic approach to life, dedicated to service, growth, and well-being.

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