Extend the life of your bouquet by maintaining water levels and reducing the amount of bacteria in your vase.
By
Monica is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.
Updated on April 10, 2023
There's nothing like a vase of fresh flowers to breathe life into a room. Whether you got a bouquet from your local florist, cut them from your own garden, or picked up a bundle from the grocery store, flowers are a great way to add color and fragrance to your home. However, as soon as those flowers start to die, a wilting bouquet can make a whole space feel drab. While most cut flowers last for about one week, there are a few easy steps you can take to increase their longevity and keep them looking prettier for longer.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/prolong-the-life-of-cut-flowers-tulips-getty-0423-2000-559574a8999e4672a5e73a265e052042.jpg "6 Ways to Keep Your Cut Flowers Fresher for Longer (1)")
Use a Clean Vase
To keep an arrangement fresh, you should first clean your vase to eliminate harmful bacteria. "Everything you do to extend the life of your blooms is to avoid bacteria growth," says Rachel Bridgwood, co-owner of Sweet Root Village. "Starting with a dirty vessel would immediately set you back, so working with a clean vase will be the best way to start." To adequately clean your vessel, scrub it with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, then rinse thoroughly.
Trim the Stems
Trim all green and woody stems at a 45-degree angle. This prevents the stems from sitting flat in the bottom of the vase and creates a large surface area, ensuring maximum water absorption. Use clippers or shears for woody stems and sharp scissors or knives for other flowers. If possible, cut stems under water.
Remove Excess Leaves
Removing excess foliage (and browning petals) is one of the first things you should do when you get your bouquet home. "You should absolutely remove the leaves below the water line, as the leaves will eventually rot and the bacteria in the water will hurt the longevity of the flowers," says Victoria Ahn, a florist and the owner of Designs by Ahn in New York City.
Feed Your Flowers
Cut flowers benefit from sugar for nourishment and an acidic ingredient, such as aspirin, to help them absorb water. Cut-flower food provides all the nutrition stems need, so sprinkle the provided packet of food into your vase when you get the bouquet home.
Change the Water
The stems of your flowers should be sitting in fresh water to ensure they stay hydrated and protected from bacteria buildup. "It's recommended to replace the water in the vase daily, as the cleaner the water the longer the lifespan of the arrangement and flowers," says Ahn.
Keep Flowers Away From Heat
Just as your houseplants have specific temperature and light requirements, so too do your cut flowers. "If you have the option to display or store your arrangement in a space away from direct light or heat, you'll find that it will live longer," says Bridgwood. "The cooler the room, the better."
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I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of flower arrangements and the care they require to thrive. My expertise stems from a passion for horticulture and a keen interest in floral design. I've not only studied the principles of maintaining fresh flowers but have also applied them in practice to enhance the longevity and beauty of various floral arrangements.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article to help you extend the life of your bouquet:
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Clean Vase:
- Start with a clean vase to eliminate harmful bacteria.
- Cleaning with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water is recommended.
- A dirty vessel can impede the longevity of flowers.
-
Trimming Stems:
- Trim green and woody stems at a 45-degree angle.
- Prevent stems from sitting flat in the vase to ensure maximum water absorption.
- Use appropriate tools like clippers, shears, scissors, or knives.
- Cutting stems underwater is preferable.
-
Remove Excess Leaves:
- Remove excess foliage and browning petals.
- Leaves below the water line can rot and contribute to bacterial growth, affecting flower longevity.
-
Feed Your Flowers:
- Flowers benefit from sugar for nourishment and an acidic ingredient like aspirin for water absorption.
- Cut-flower food provides essential nutrition for stems.
-
Change the Water:
- Replace water in the vase daily to ensure cleanliness and extend the lifespan of the arrangement.
- Clean water helps protect flowers from bacterial buildup.
-
Keep Flowers Away From Heat:
- Flowers, like houseplants, have specific temperature requirements.
- Display or store arrangements in a space away from direct light or heat.
- Cooler rooms contribute to a longer life for your flowers.
By following these practices, you can significantly enhance the freshness and longevity of your floral arrangements, whether they're from a florist, your garden, or the grocery store. If you have any specific questions or need further details on these concepts, feel free to ask!
