Why your fridge is the 'best' way to make flowers last longer (2024)

Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Why your fridge is the 'best' way to make flowers last longer (1)

FLOWERS are a great way to celebrate a special occasion, such as Mother's Day. However, cut bouquets can begin to wilt within a matter of days. How can you make your flowers last longer?

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Cut flowers make a gorgeous centrepiece for a table or are an easy way to add a pop of colour to your home. While they can not stand the test of time, there are some simple hacks that can keep your bouquets blooming for a little while longer.

Experts from Pro Flowers conducted a study where they tried out an array of hacks and old wives' tales said to keep flowers healthy - and one unusual hack came out on top.

According to the study, popping your flowers into the fridge overnight is the "best" way to keep flowers alive for longer.

Though the idea of putting your vase in the fridge when you go to bed might sound odd, there is actually logic behind it.

You may have noticed that florets keep their bouquets in fridges, and there is a good reason why.

READ MORE:How to keep cut flowers fresh: 2 simple ingredients

Why your fridge is the 'best' way to make flowers last longer (5)

Keeping flowers in the fridge can help them last longer. (Image: Getty Images)

Pro Flowers explained: "Flowers are said to thrive in cooler temperatures.

"It is thought that the low temps help slow the ageing."

Keeping your flowers at a cooler temperature can also slow water loss and keep your blooms looking crisp.

To store the flowers correctly, fill around three-quarters of your vase with water, then place your blooms into the vase.

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    For the best results, Pro Flowers recommend storing your flowers for eight hours - which is enough time for your to get a good night's sleep.

    The experts added: "The bouquet that went in the fridge overnight came in first place and is the best way to make flowers last longer.

    "This bouquet was looking healthy even on day 10."

    In their study, Pro Flowers also found that adding sugar to the water in your vase can help flowers to last a little bit longer, and recommended doing this in the form of a fizzy drink.

    Why your fridge is the 'best' way to make flowers last longer (9)

    Flowers are a lovely gift and many people may receive them this Mother's Day. (Image: Getty Images)

    According to the experts, adding a quarter cup of effervescent liquid into a vase full of fresh flowers can help them to "last longer".

    They said: "Looks like flowers enjoy some extra sweetness, the soda came in as our runner up trick to making flowers last longer.

    "In fact, even on day 10, the soda bouquet was looking just as healthy as day one with the only difference being the flowers opening up more."

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    Why your fridge is the 'best' way to make flowers last longer (2024)

    FAQs

    Why do flowers last longer in the fridge? ›

    Too-high temps can lead to floppy petals, causing a healthy arrangement to fall flat before its time. To keep your bouquet strong and healthy, try this super-simple flower tip: Store the flowers in the refrigerator overnight. It'll help slow down the process of water loss and keep your blooms looking crisp.

    How do you make flowers last in the fridge? ›

    Make sure the refrigerator is set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below (but make sure it's above freezing). Clear off an entire shelf for the beautiful Bouq and keep the flowers in a vase that is three-quarters full of clean water. Make sure you remove ALL fruits from the refrigerator before storing your Bouq.

    What makes a flower last the longest? ›

    Trim the Stems

    Cut each stem at a 45-degree angle to maximize the surface area through which flowers intake water. Also, try to cut stems under warm (not hot) running water to ensure they get hydrated immediately. In addition, recutting the stems whenever you change the water will help your flowers stay fresher.

    Does cold make flowers last longer? ›

    Cut flowers will last longer if they are kept at cooler temperatures. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat vents, as well as cold drafts near a window or door in winter. Avoid placing your arrangement near ripening fruit, which releases tiny amounts of ethylene gas that can age flowers prematurely.

    Do flowers last longer in the fridge? ›

    Flowers are said to thrive in cooler temperatures. It is thought that the low temps help slow the aging. Looks like floral bouquets like to stay nice and cool. The bouquet that went in the fridge overnight came in first place and is the best way to make flowers last longer.

    Is it best to keep flowers in the fridge? ›

    Fresh Flowers & Roses should not be placed in either the refrigerator or the freezer! The Refrigerator generally hosts a variety of fruits & vegetables that emit ethylene gases which can shorten the life or even kill your fresh flowers & roses. The Freezer is simply too cold!

    How to keep flowers for longer? ›

    A teaspoon of sugar added to the water in the vase essentially feeds the flowers, helping nourish the blooms so that they stay looking fresh for longer. Alternatively, try adding around 1/4 cup lemonade to the water for the same effect.

    Can flowers last in the fridge without water? ›

    With or without water, temperature is the biggest factor in how long a cut flower lasts. The optimum temperature for longevity is around 35°F to 37°F (similar to the temperature in your refrigerator).

    Do roses last longer in the fridge? ›

    If you're unable to gift your Valentine's Day roses to your special someone, one of the ways you can keep them fresh for a day or so is by placing them in the fridge. This will ensure they keep cool.

    What flower takes 100 years to bloom? ›

    Agave Americana Blooms Once Every Hundred Years

    Ironically, the plant is known as a century plant, although on average the plant blooms about every 30 years.

    Does sugar help flowers last longer? ›

    Sugar increases fresh weight of the flowers and prolongs the vase life. Use 0.5 - 1% Floralife (concentration of sugar not specified). 2% sugar solution doubles the vase life of the cut inflorescence. Some sugar in the vase solution increases the number and size of open flowers as well as prolongs the vase life.

    What keeps flowers fresh the longest experiment? ›

    The experiment was conducted over a 9 day period and the following vases of different solutions kept the flowers fresh for the following number of days: 1) bleach solution: 4 days; 2) aspirin/penny solution: 6 days; 3) sugar solution: 7 days; 4) tap water only: 7 days; AND THE WINNER WAS 5) the 7up solution: 9 days.

    Does salt help flowers last longer? ›

    When you add salt to the vase, this draws the fluid out of the plant cells. This helps lower the pressure inside the stem and encourages osmosis. It's much like the way we feel thirsty after eating something salty. Salt can also help keep bacteria growth at bay.

    What is the best temperature to refrigerate flowers? ›

    For most flowers, a temperature range between 33 F and 42 F is a rule of thumb—although much research shows that for most nontropical flowers, temperatures above 38 F are too high. However, for flowers that are sensitive to cold, like tropical flowers, temperatures slightly above 50 F will be called for.

    Is cold good for flowers? ›

    Best Flower Storage Temperature

    Deciding the best temperature to store cut flowers depends on the species intended for preservation. For most flower types, optimal storage temperatures range between 33°F – 37°F while cold-sensitive blossoms and tropical flowers should be maintained at temperatures above 50°F.

    How long can flowers last in the fridge without water? ›

    How Long Do Flowers Last without Water? Cut flowers can go without water for hours or even a few days! It only depends on the plant species and how they are treated. Most cut flowers can't stay fresh for longer than 24 hours.

    Does putting a penny in a vase help flowers? ›

    The reason pennies are considered a smart way to keep flowers alive longer is because copper is a fungicide, so it naturally kills off those pesky bacteria and fungi that are trying to camp out in your flowers' vase and shorten the life span of your stems.

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