Super easy tips to keep flowers fresh longer.

Proper storage and preservation

If you buy fresh flowers, get a basket to carry them in, as handling them by hand can shorten their lifespan. The best way is to place freshly cut flowers in a basket, with the stems wrapped in a damp cloth during transport.

Cutting flowers

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

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Cut the flowers at an angle.

You may have heard that you should cut flowers at an angle. This is true for some types of flowers, but it doesn't apply to all!

Flowers with soft stems, such as tulips, should be cut straight. Flowers with stiff or woody stems should be cut diagonally for a length of 3-5 cm.

Use boiling water.

For flowers with stiff or woody stems, dip the freshly cut ends into boiling water for about 30-40 seconds to seal the cut surface. This will prevent bacteria from growing and help the flowers stay fresh longer. After that, you can proceed to arrange the flowers as usual.

Get water properly

A great tip for keeping flowers fresh longer is to fill the vase with lime-free water – rainwater is the best option. You can also acidify the water by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Although you can use the special food packets provided with the bouquet, they aren't really necessary if you add lemon juice or some vitamin C powder. Alternatively, you can add a little aspirin or some vodka to the water to help keep the flowers fresh.

Placement of the vase

Even the placement of your vase can affect the longevity of the flowers. Keep your fresh flowers in a well-lit room, however, you should avoid placing them near windows or in areas with excessively strong sunlight.

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

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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 prevent bacteria from growing and harming 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, while monitoring the water level daily to ensure the flowers receive enough water.