How To Make Flowers Last Longer

Making cut flowers last longer involves several steps, from the initial selection to ongoing care. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you extend the life of your flowers:

1. Selecting the Flowers

• Freshness: Choose flowers that are fresh and show no signs of wilting or browning. Buds that are just starting to open will often last the longest.
• Stem Checks: Ensure the stems are firm and not slimy or discolored.

2. Preparing the Vase

• Cleanliness: Clean the vase thoroughly with soap and water to remove any bacteria that can accelerate wilting.
• Water Temperature: Fill the vase with lukewarm water. Tepid water is generally better for most cut flowers because it is easier for the stems to absorb.

3. Flower Preparation

• Trim the Stems: Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for water absorption. Use sharp, clean scissors or a knife to prevent crushing the stems.
• Remove Lower Leaves: Remove any leaves that would be submerged in the water to prevent bacterial growth.

4. Adding Preservatives

• Commercial Floral Preservative: If you have a commercial floral preservative, use it as directed. It usually contains a mix of sugar (to nourish), an acidifier (to maintain water pH), and a biocide (to kill bacteria).
• DIY Floral Preservative: In a pinch, you can make your own with the following recipe:
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
  • A few drops of bleach
  • Mix this with a quart of lukewarm water.

5. Placement

• Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Place the vase in a cool area away from direct sunlight, heaters, or air conditioning vents, which can cause the flowers to dry out more quickly.
• Avoid Ripening Fruits: Keep the flowers away from ripening fruits, which emit ethylene gas that can cause flowers to age prematurely.

6. Ongoing Care

• Water Change: Change the water every 2-3 days. When you do, re-trim the stems about half an inch each time to keep the ends fresh and able to absorb water.
• Keep Clean: Ensure the vase remains clean by washing it when you change the water.
• Deadheading: Remove any spent or wilted flowers to prevent them from causing the others to decay faster.

Additional Tips

• Misting: Lightly misting the flowers with water can help keep them hydrated, especially in dry conditions.
• Refrigeration: If possible, placing the flowers in the refrigerator overnight can help extend their life by slowing down the aging process.

Common Myths

• Aspirin or Pennies: While some old wives’ tales suggest adding aspirin or copper pennies to the water, these methods are not scientifically proven to significantly extend the life of cut flowers.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly extend the life and beauty of your cut flowers. Enjoy your blooms!