How to Extend the Life of Your Cut Flowers

A bouquet of fresh flowers is a treat, here are few mindful steps to keeping them vibrant longer.

Rachel, Farmer-Florist of Bloom Harvest Farm with freshly harvested dahlias

Here’s how you can extend the life of your cut flowers:

Keep Them Away from Veggies

It’s tempting to set your flowers on the kitchen counter, but if you're keeping them near fruit or vegetables, you might be shortening their lifespan. Ethylene gas, naturally released by some produce, can cause flowers to wilt faster. To give your flowers the longest life keep away from ripening fruits and veggies.

Trim the Stems Regularly

When you first bring your flowers home, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption. Each time you change the water, trim the stems again by about an half-inch. It’s a small task with a big impact on how long your flowers last.

Use Clean Water and Containers

Dirty vases can harbor bacteria, which will shorten the life of your flowers. Always use clean containers (like you could drink out of it kind of clean) and fresh, cool water. For flowers like sunflowers and zinnias, are considered dirty flowers so adding a drop of bleach to the water to help keep it clean and free from bacteria. This small step can go a long way in maintaining the health of your bouquet.

Keep Them in a Cool Spot

Heat and sunlight can cause flowers to fade faster. Ideally, display your bouquet in a cool area, away from direct sunlight or appliances that radiate heat.

Remove Wilting or Dead Flowers

As flowers begin to fade, remove them from the arrangement. Keeping only the freshest blooms in your arrangement will help maintain the overall look and health of the bouquet.

By following these simple tips, you’ll not only enjoy your flowers longer but also get the most out of your floral arrangements.