Fresh cut flowers can add beauty and life to any home or office, but only if they last. While it’s not always possible to keep flowers alive for extended periods of time, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to help keep them looking beautiful and vibrant for a bit longer. Here are some of the best tips for keeping flowers fresh.
1. Choose Fresh Flowers
The most important step for keeping flowers fresh is to choose flowers that are fresh in the first place. Look for flowers with healthy stems, a good color and a pleasant scent. If you’re buying flowers from a florist, make sure to ask them how long the flowers have been in the store before you buy them.
2. Prep Your Flowers
Once you’ve chosen your flowers, it’s important to prep them properly. Start by cutting off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife or scissors. This will open up the stem to allow more water to flow up to the flower. Then, strip away any leaves that will be below the water line in the vase. This will help prevent bacteria from forming in the water.
Finally, submerge the stems of your flowers in warm water for about an hour. This will help the flowers drink up as much water as possible to keep them hydrated.
3. Change the Water Regularly
Flowers love fresh water, so it’s important to change the water in the vase every few days. This will help prevent bacteria from building up and will keep your flowers looking their best. When changing the water, it’s best to use warm water, as this will help encourage the flowers to drink it up.
4. Add a Flower Food Packet
Most flower bouquets come with a small packet of flower food. This is a mix of sugar, acid and other nutrients that will help keep your flowers healthy and vibrant for longer. Add the packet to the water in the vase and make sure to change it out along with the water every few days.
5. Keep Flowers Away from Heat and Direct Sunlight
Heat and direct sunlight can cause flowers to wilt quickly, so it’s best to keep them away from both. If possible, keep your flowers in a cool, shaded spot away from any direct heat sources. If you need to move the flowers, try to do it in the evening or at night to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
6. Remove Wilted Flowers
No matter how hard you try, some flowers will start to wilt and die after a few days. If this happens, it’s important to remove the wilted flowers from the vase as soon as possible. Leaving them in the vase can cause the other flowers to wilt prematurely.
7. Re-cut Stems
If your flowers seem to be wilting despite your best efforts, you may need to re-cut the stems. This will help the flowers absorb more water and will help keep them alive for a bit longer. To re-cut the stems, simply use a sharp knife or scissors to snip off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle.
Following these tips will help you keep your flowers looking beautiful and vibrant for as long as possible. Enjoy!