Fresh flowers are one of life’s simple joys—and with a little extra care, you can enjoy them even longer. Here’s how to keep your blooms looking their best:
1. Start with a clean vase Always wash your vase with hot, soapy water before using it. Leftover residue can harbor bacteria, which shortens the life of your flowers.
2. Remove leaves below the waterline Gently strip away any foliage that would sit in the water. Leaves break down quickly and create bacteria that can clog stems and reduce water uptake.
3. Give stems a fresh cut Trim stems at a 45° angle using clean, sharp scissors or a knife. A fresh cut helps flowers drink more easily—just be sure your tools are clean so you’re not introducing bacteria.
4. Refresh the water regularly Change the water every 2–3 days—or daily for dahlias, since they’re a bit more sensitive. If the water looks cloudy, go ahead and swap it out sooner.
5. Re-cut stems with each water change Snip about ½ inch off the bottom of each stem when you refresh the water. This keeps them open and drinking well.
6. Remove fading blooms One wilted flower can bring down the whole bouquet. Remove any fading blooms or petals to keep your arrangement looking fresh and full.
7. Keep flowers cool Place your bouquet out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Also keep them away from ripening fruit—fruit releases ethylene gas, which speeds up wilting.
8. Flower food (optional) We don’t use commercial flower food—these simple steps usually do the trick. But if you like a DIY option, you can mix your own:
1 teaspoon sugar + 1 teaspoon lemon juice + 1 drop of bleach per quart of water.
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