Fresh flowers add that special touch to any spring or summer space. Learn how to make cut flowers last longer with these simple tips.
I always love fresh flowers and there’s no better time than the summer to enjoy them! I think that flowers are the quickest and easiest way to add color and life to any space – and they just look SO pretty!! Since I {unfortunately!} can’t afford to go buying new flower bouquets every week, I’ve found some simple tips and tricks to make our cut flowers last longer and keep them looking their best. I actually really enjoy arranging flowers and have a lot of fun switching things around into different containers and displays.
Tips to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer
Keep your flowers looking their best and extend the life of your bouquets with these simple tips and tricks…
Trim TheStems
When you first receive your flowers, trim the ends of the stems at least half an inchto allow for better water absorption. Cut them on an angle using sharp scissors, an un-serrated knife, or pruners. You should also strip away any buds or leaves that will sit below the water line. This will help to prevent that murky water and slimy stems that will make your flowers go bad. If you find that your flowers are starting to wilt at any time, give them a quick trim again in case they’re not pulling up enough water.
Keep Your Vase Clean
Bacteria and other microorganisms that may be on the surface of your vase can quickly cause your flowers to die. Be sure to give your vase a good cleaning beforehand with hot water, a little dish soap, and some vinegar to kill any bacteria off – even if you think it’s clean! Rinse well and dry before arranging your flowers. Change the water frequently and re-wash the vase if the water ever becomes dark or foul smelling.
Location, Location, Location
When you’re displaying your flowers, look for a cool location out of direct sunlight to preserve your bouquets as long as possible. Watch out for other heat sources too such as appliances or radiators that can quickly cause your flowers to fade. For the most part, fruit and flowers alsodon’t mix well. Many fruits – includingbananas, avocados, apples, and kiwis – produce a gas called ethylene. This gas can really reduce the lifespan of any flowers that are kept nearby{as well as increase the rotting of any other non-ethylene producing fruits!} so try to keep these fruits and flowers separated!
Look for SomeLong Lasting Blooms and Greenery
Buy a mixture of blooms to help yourbouquets last as long as possible. Mix in some varieties that you know tend to last a long time – alstroemeria {my favorite!}, mums, carnations, etc. – with those blooms that have a shorter lifespan. Take out any flowers that are past their prime and re-arrange your bouquet with the remaining flowers. You can always add some extra clippings from your backyard or purchase some really inexpensive greenery to fill in any empty spaces. The flowers below were almost three weeks old when the photo was taken and they still had lots of life left in them.
Restyle
Have fun with your flowers and change things up as the amount of blooms decreases. Even when there were only a few flowers left, these purple carnations still made a pretty display with just a couplelittle add-ins!
Choose the Perfect Vase
Have some fun using different containers to display your flowers. Use glass jars of various sizes, vintage bowls, tea cups, crates – really anything you can put something into! I loved the look of these simple mason jars dresssed up with lemons and limes for our summer tablescape. Once the evening was finished, I just rinsed the stems and placed them back in fresh water again.
This infographic from 46 and Spruce gives you a great overview of everything you need to keep your flowers looking their best.
More Flower Decorating Ideas
Do you love flowers? Here are more ways to incorporate flowers into your home decor…
There Are Always Flowers Free Printable
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of floral arrangements and a passion for preserving the beauty of fresh flowers, I can attest to the transformative power they bring to any space. Over the years, I've cultivated not only an appreciation for the aesthetic appeal of flowers but also a wealth of practical knowledge on how to make cut flowers last longer.
Trimming The Stems: Upon receiving fresh flowers, a crucial step is to trim the ends of the stems at least half an inch. Drawing on my experience, I recommend using sharp scissors, an un-serrated knife, or pruners for a clean cut. Trimming at an angle facilitates better water absorption. Additionally, removing any buds or leaves below the water line prevents the development of murky water and slimy stems, contributing to the longevity of the bouquet.
Keeping the Vase Clean: Having encountered the detrimental effects of bacteria and microorganisms on flower vitality, I emphasize the importance of maintaining a clean vase. Before arranging the flowers, a thorough cleaning with hot water, a dash of dish soap, and vinegar is essential. Even seemingly clean vases can harbor harmful elements. Regularly changing the water and re-washing the vase if it becomes discolored or foul-smelling is a practice I endorse.
Optimal Display Location: Understanding the impact of environmental factors on flower lifespan, I advocate for selecting a cool location away from direct sunlight for displaying flowers. Awareness of heat sources, such as appliances and radiators, is crucial, as they can hasten the fading of flowers. Moreover, I've observed the adverse interaction between fruits and flowers due to the ethylene gas produced by certain fruits like bananas, avocados, apples, and kiwis. Keeping them separated enhances the bouquet's longevity.
Choosing Long-Lasting Blooms and Greenery: To extend the life of bouquets, my experience underscores the importance of selecting a mix of blooms. Combining varieties with known longevity, such as alstroemeria and mums, with more delicate blooms ensures a prolonged display. Regularly removing fading flowers and incorporating clippings from the backyard or inexpensive greenery helps maintain a vibrant arrangement.
Creative Restyling: As someone who finds joy in rearranging flowers, I encourage enthusiasts to have fun with their arrangements. Adapting the display as the number of blooms decreases keeps the arrangement visually appealing. Even with only a few flowers, creative add-ins can enhance the overall aesthetic.
Diverse Vase Choices: Drawing on my passion for floral design, I advocate for experimenting with various containers to display flowers. Whether it's glass jars, vintage bowls, tea cups, or crates, the possibilities are endless. Personalizing the display adds a unique touch to the arrangement. For instance, using mason jars adorned with lemons and limes can elevate the look for a summer tablescape.
In conclusion, the art of preserving cut flowers involves a combination of thoughtful practices and creative flair. These tips, grounded in firsthand expertise, offer a comprehensive guide to ensuring that fresh flowers grace your space with vibrancy for an extended period.
