How to Make Fresh Flowers Last Longer: A Florist’s Guide

As a florist, keeping customers' flowers looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible is one of my top priorities. We all love and appreciate the joy that fresh flowers bring to a space, but it can be frustrating when they start wilting too soon. Luckily, with a little extra care, you can extend their beauty and make the most of your blooms.

Here are my top florist-approved tips to help your fresh flowers last longer:

1. Start with a Clean Vase

Before placing your flowers in water, always use a clean vase. Bacteria can shorten the lifespan of flowers, so wash your vase with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

2. Trim the Stems at an Angle

Use sharp scissors or secateurs to cut about an inch off the stems at a 45-degree angle. This helps the flowers drink the water more efficiently. Re-cut the stems every couple of days for best results.

3. Remove Extra Leaves

Leaves that sit below the waterline can encourage bacterial growth. Strip off any excess leaves that might be submerged to keep the water clean.

4. Use Fresh, Cool Water

Fill your vase with fresh, cool water and change it every two days. Warm or stagnant water can promote bacterial growth, which shortens the lifespan of your flowers.

5. Add Flower Food or a DIY Solution

Most bouquets come with a packet of flower food, which helps nourish the blooms and reduce bacteria. If you don’t have flower food, try this DIY mix:

• 1 teaspoon of sugar (for nourishment)

• 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice (to keep bacteria at bay)

• A few drops of bleach (to further prevent bacteria growth)

6. Keep Flowers Away from Heat and Direct Sunlight

Flowers last longer in a cool environment, so avoid placing them near windows with direct sunlight, radiators, or heating vents.

7. Avoid Placing Flowers Near Fruit

Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which speeds up the aging process of flowers. Keep your bouquet away from the fruit bowl to extend their vase life.

8. Mist Your Flowers

A gentle misting of water on the petals can help keep them hydrated, especially for delicate blooms like roses and hydrangeas.

9. Revive Wilting Blooms

If flowers start to wilt, try cutting the stems again and placing them in warm water for an hour. This can help rehydrate them and give them a second life.

10. Keep an Eye on Different Flower Needs

Different flowers have different needs. Hydrangeas love deep water, while tulips continue growing in the vase and may need frequent trimming. Research your flowers for the best care tips.

With these easy steps, your fresh flowers will stay vibrant and beautiful much longer.

If you have any questions or need personalised advice, feel free to reach out to us at Flowers by Finchwood - our contact details can be found at: www.flowersbyfinchwood.co.uk

Don't forget, we deliver fresh flowers across Liverpool, so why not have a look at our online catalogue as well!

Happy flower-keeping!