10 Secrets for Keeping Fresh Flowers Alive Longer

 

 

When I asked you what topics you'd like me to write about, one reader suggested I discuss how to make flowers last longer. One of the first posts I wrote for this blog was on that subject.  Following these tips makes a big difference in the vase life of your flowers. So here's an oldie, but goodie. Hope you find it helpful!

Here are 10 secrets most florists won't tell you about caring for fresh flowers.  From the moment they are cut, they are on a premature journey toward death.  Your job is to keep them alive and beautiful as long as possible.  Bringing them home and just plunking them in a vase is not good enough.  They need water, air and a little something to eat.

Follow these 10 secrets for conditioning fresh flowers, then sit back, relax and enjoy.

 

10 Secrets for Fresher Flowers

Fresh Water

1) Fill a clean vase with water that is cool, but not cold.

Floral Preservative

2) Use the floral preservative packet that comes with your flowers.  Shake a little bit into the water.  It kills bacteria and gives the flowers something to eat.

Remove Foliage

3) Remove all foliage that will go under water once the flowers are in the vase. Leaves and small branches left under water will decay and cause bacteria to grow.  Bacteria shorten the life of flowers.

 

Don't Cut Stems Straight

4) Cut each flower stem on an angle with a sharp knife or garden shears and place it directly into water.  Using dull cutting tools will damage the cell structure of the flower stem and prevent it from absorbing water. Stems that are cut and left out of water will take in air, which will prevent them from taking in water properly. Flower stems that are cut straight sit at the bottom of the vase and again are unable to take in water.

 

Cut Flowers Shorter

5) Consider cutting your flowers shorter than you usually do.  Flowers cut shorter generally last longer, because the water doesn't have to travel so far to get to the blossom.

6) Place the vase in a cool, but not cold location away from sun, drafts and heat.

 

Change Water

7) Change the water at least every other day.  Remember, dirty water breeds bacteria. Wash the vase with soap and water and repeat the steps listed above.

Remove Dead Flowers

8) Keep your flowers looking fresh by removing any dead or dying blossoms from the vase.  As new flower buds open, take off the fading ones.  This will send energy to the new flowers instead of wasting it on the old. 

Be Selective

9) Be particular about where you buy your flowers. Flowers purchased at fruit and vegetable stands run the risk of being exposed to ethylene gas from ripening produce, which shortens the life of flowers.

 

Choose Wisely

10) Buy good quality flowers.  They last longer and look more beautiful.  Remember, florists keep their flowers in special coolers, which slow the aging process.

Follow these 10 secrets the next time you buy flowers and watch how much longer they last!

What do you do to make your flowers last longer?

Comments

[Brian Chambers]

Mimi Thanks for the advice on supermarket flowers and their exposure to ethylene gas. Buying fresh flowers from a reputable florist is always a winner. Just a word of caution about some internet florists: they sometimes deliver arrangements which are not like what they depict in their ads. http://www.florists.charlottetownarea.com/

[Mimi Peters-Davis]

Brian, Thanks for your comment. You are so right about some internet florists. It's the reason we are not hooked up to a wire service. We prefer to direct our customers to florists in the area where they want their flowers sent. We will do this for them if they need a referral.

[Calling it Home]

Mimi, did you ever hear about putting a bit of bleach in the water? I think it is a replacement for the floral care pouch.

[Mimi]

Yes. I works particularly well with tulips it seems. Checkout the video on my post on tulips. The floral food packet is also good, because besides killing the bacteria that kills flowers prematurely, it gives the flowers nutrients which help sustain them. Great question. Thanks!