7 tips to make your cut flowers last longer

Simple tips to increase the life expectancy of your blooms

Nothing breathes life and colour into a home quite like a vase of beautiful, fresh flowers, so it’s always disappointing when those pretty petals begin to shrivel and wilt.

When it comes to fresh flowers, all good things must come to an end. But there are plenty of things you can do to boost the health and maintain the freshness and longevity of your treasured blooms.

Try these tips to increase the life expectancy of your flowers, and enjoy their beauty a little while longer.

 

  1. Choose the right flowers:

    When buying flowers, choose bunches with lots of new and fresh buds as they will give you a much longer vase-life, and frankly, there is nothing more exciting than the surprise that each glorious bloom brings as they open at home.  

  2. Clean your vase thoroughly:

    Bacteria are your flowers’ nemesis, so ensure your vase is squeaky clean before you use it. Bacteria block the stem and thus prevents absorption of water and may cause your blooms to wilt, and it is also the cause of soggy and slimy stems. You can also add a drop of chlorine bleach to the water to keep it sanitised.

  3. Flower Food and Water:

    Fill your vase with clean water and add flower food in the water in the right concentration as directed by the product. 

  4. Remove lower leaves:

    Remove any leaves that would be submerged in the water, as these will rot and add more bacteria to your vase.  Avoid removing thorns from roses as they are very sensitive to bacteria and wounds left by the removal process will leak sugar which attracts bacteria. 

  5. Cut stems:

    Cut the stem with a clean, disinfected knife or scissors to minimise potential contact with bacteria. Finally, place your flowers into your prepared vase and arrange. 

  6. Keep flowers cool:

    Direct sunlight and high temperatures can significantly shorten the lifespan of your blooms, so avoid hot-spots, such as the kitchen or conservatory or close to radiators, and opt for a cool, shady spot.

  7. Keep flowers away from fruit:

    Keep your flowers away from the fruit bowl.  Fruit gives off a ripening hormone called Ethylene, which causes flowers and plants to age at a quicker pace.

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