How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh

How to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer

Different types of flowers may have specific care requirements, so it's always worth researching the particular varieties you’re working with. However, these general tips should help you extend the life of your cut flowers, keeping them fresh and colourful for longer.

1) Choose the Right Flowers

For the longest-lasting arrangements, choose flowers known for their long vase life, such as chrysanthemums, carnations, lilies, and alstroemeria. Pay attention to the variety – pompon dahlia plants, for example, tend to outlast other types of dahlias when cut, thanks to their tightly packed petals and thick stems.

2) Cut at the Right Time

The fresher the flowers, the longer they’ll last. Most varieties should be cut when the buds are showing colour and just beginning to open. The best time to cut flowers is in the morning when the stems are firm and full of water. Avoid cutting in the middle of the day when plants are hot and stressed. Try carrying a small bucket of water with you when cutting flowers so that you can immediately plunge stems. This can hugely improve vase life.

3) Use a Clean Vase

Before arranging your flowers, clean the vase with hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. It only takes a minute, but this can help prevent bacterial and fungal growth that could shorten the flowers’ lifespan.

4) Trim the Stems and Leaves

Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle using clean, sharp scissors or secateurs to increase the surface area for water uptake. Also, remove any leaves that would sit below the water level. Once in the vase, cut 1-2 additional centimetres off each stem every other day – this gets rid of dying tissue, preventing rot and helping the flower absorb water.

5) Keep Flowers Cool

When first cut, place the flowers in clean water and leave them in a cool place for several hours. You can then move them to the room they’re to be displayed in – just keep the vase away from direct sunlight, sources of heat, and ripening fruits.

6) Add Flower Food

Flower food is designed to provide nutrients and energy, helping flowers stay fresh. If you don't have commercial flower food, you can achieve similar results by adding a teaspoon of sugar and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to each litre of water.

7) Rotate the Vase

Turn your vase each day to ensure all sides of the flower arrangement receive equal light exposure. This will help to encourage even growth and prevent the stems from leaning towards light source.

8) Refresh the Water Regularly

At least every other day, empty the vase and fill it with fresh, clean water. Refreshing the water will help get rid of any microorganisms that could affect the health of the flowers, while also keeping the blooms well-hydrated.

9) Revive Wilted Flowers

Many wilting blooms can be perked up by submerging the bottoms of the stems in hot water for 5-10 minutes. For some varieties, such as tulips, it can also help to prick the stems with a needle just below the flower head to prevent air bubbles from blocking water flow.