7 Tips on How to Make Your Flowers Last Longer

Welcome to Ann Cheshire Florist's guide on how to make your flowers last longer. There's nothing quite like the beauty of fresh flowers brightening up your home, but their lifespan can often seem too short. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can extend the life of your blooms and keep them looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible.

 

The first step in extending the life of your flowers is to trim the stems. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife to cut about an inch off the bottom at a 45-degree angle. This allows the stems to absorb more water and prevents them from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, which can block water uptake.

 

Stagnant water can harbour bacteria that shorten the life of your flowers. Change the water in the vase every two to three days, making sure to rinse the vase and add fresh, clean water each time.

 

Most bouquets come with a packet of flower food. This mixture of sugar, acid, and bleach helps to nourish the flowers, balance the pH of the water, and reduce bacteria growth. If you run out, you can make your own by mixing sugar, lemon juice, and a tiny bit of bleach into the water.

 

Flowers last longer in a cool environment. Place your arrangement away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or appliances that generate heat, as warmth can cause flowers to wilt faster.

 

As flowers begin to wilt, they release ethylene gas, which can cause other flowers in the arrangement to wilt more quickly. Remove any dead or dying flowers from the arrangement to help the others stay fresh.

 

Ripening fruit also releases ethylene gas, which can accelerate the aging process of your flowers. Keep your arrangements away from fruit bowls to prevent premature wilting.

 

Flowers, especially those with large petals, benefit from a gentle misting of water. This helps to keep the petals hydrated and prevents them from drying out. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the blooms daily.

 

With these simple tips, you can enjoy your beautiful blooms for even longer. At Ann Cheshire Florist, we’re here to help you make the most of your floral arrangements!