Super easy tips to keep flowers fresh longer

Proper storage and preservation

If you buy fresh flowers, bring a basket to store them in, as carrying them by hand can shorten their lifespan. It is best to place freshly cut flowers in a basket, with the stems wrapped in a damp cloth for transport.

Cut flowers

For certain flowers, cutting them with scissors before placing them in a vase may seem like a good idea, but it actually shortens the life of the flowers by squeezing the stems. Instead, you can choose to cut the flowers with a sharp knife.

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Cut flowers at an angle

You may have heard that you should cut flowers at an angle. This is true for some flowers but not all!

Flowers with soft stems, such as tulips, should be cut straight across. Flowers with stiff or woody stems should be cut at an angle of 3-5cm.

Use boiling water

For flowers with hard, woody stems, dip the cut end in boiling water for 30-40 seconds to seal the cut surface. This will prevent bacteria from growing and help the flowers last longer. You can then arrange the flowers as usual.

Get water the right way

A great tip to keep your flowers fresher longer is to fill the vase with lime-free water – rainwater is your best bet. You can also acidify the water by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice.

While you can use the special food packets provided in the bouquet, they are not really necessary if you add lemon juice or a little vitamin C powder. Additionally, you can absolutely add a little aspirin or a little vodka to the water to help keep the flowers fresh.

Location of the tank

Even where you place your vase can affect the longevity of your flowers. Keep your fresh flowers in a bright room, but avoid placing them near windows or in areas with strong sunlight.

Cut flowers will die faster if they are placed near a fireplace, in a drafty area, in direct sunlight, or near a television! You should also keep freshly cut flowers away from fruit bowls, as ripe fruit releases gases that will cause flowers to wilt and die faster.

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Flower care

Once you have the right environment for your flowers, all you need to do is take proper care of them! Clean the vase daily to avoid bacteria growth that can affect the flowers.

Fill with clean rainwater if available and add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vitamin C powder. Gently prune the stems and remove any wilted or damaged flowers and leaves and monitor the water level daily to ensure adequate water supply to the flowers.