Fresh flowers won’t last forever, they’re not supposed to. But Mother’s Day flowers are meant to be here for a moment, bringing us to the present, reminding a mom that they’re loved and seen, even if they live most of their days buried under a mountain of laundry, diapers, and ignored instructions.
That kind of beauty doesn’t need to stick around for months to matter. Still, if you can stretch that moment a little longer, why wouldn’t you? Mother’s Day bouquets often come loaded with long-lasting blooms like carnations, alstroemeria, chrysanthemums, and lilies. Tulips and daffodils tend to fade quicker, while roses fall somewhere in the middle—some varieties last longer than others, but they all benefit from proper care.
With the right setup, you can keep most bouquets looking fresh for a week or more. A video from Associated Press shows us how.
1. Use a Clean Vase
It sounds basic, but it matters. A dirty vase can turn into a bacterial spa, and that’s the fast lane to droopy petals. Give it a good scrub with warm, soapy water, or run it through the dishwasher. If it’s been sitting on a shelf for a year, a quick rinse with diluted bleach (a teaspoon in a quart of water) helps clear out any bacteria and bad memories.
2. Remove Leaves and Trim Stems
Before arranging, strip any leaves that would end up underwater. Submerged leaves break down quickly, feeding bacteria that clog stems and slow water absorption.
Use a sharp knife, not scissors, to trim the ends. Dull blades crush stems, making it harder for water to travel up. Cut about two to three inches off the bottom of each stem, and always cut at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area that can draw in water and keeps the stem from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, which can block flow.
3. Feed and Water the Flowers
If your bouquet came with a flower food packet, use it. It typically includes sugar (for energy), acid (to help with water uptake), and a biocide (to fight bacteria). Follow the instructions—guesswork leads to slimy results.
If your florist wasn’t having a generous day and forgot the packet, clear soda like Sprite or 7UP is a decent substitute. A quarter cup per quart of water gives both sugar and acidity. You can also use vodka—a teaspoon per quart. It won’t feed the flowers, but it slows the production of ethylene gas, which causes wilting.
Change the water regularly. Don’t top it off. Dump it like a narcissistic ex. Change the water completely every two days. Rinse the vase, re-trim the stems, and give them fresh water with the same additives. Clean water is the single most important factor in keeping flowers fresh.
4. Choose Your Location Wisely
You need to avoid heat, sunlight, and ripening fruit if you want your flowers to last. Flowers fade faster in warm rooms, especially in direct sunlight or near heat sources like stoves or radiators. A cooler spot, out of the spotlight, slows things down. Keep them far from ripening fruit—especially bananas and apples—which release ethylene gas that shortens the life of cut flowers.
Know Your Flowers
Different flowers will have a variety of care needs. For example:
- Tulips continue to grow after they’re cut, often bending toward the light.
- Rotate the vase daily and re-trim them every few days to keep things tidy.
- Daffodils release sap that’s toxic to other flowers, so they need to sit alone in water for a day before joining mixed arrangements.
- Lilies drop pollen that stains everything in sight—pluck the anthers once they open, and you’ll avoid yellow dust on your tablecloth.
If you really want to go the extra mile, tuck the bouquet in the fridge overnight. Cooler temps slow wilting. With a little bit of extra care, those flowers for your mom can live on a little bit longer, bringing some extra joy to her day.
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