6 Tricks to Make Your Cut Flowers Last Longer

There is nothing like a bouquet of fresh flowers to brighten someone’s day – even if it’s your own! When you send flowers, you are as happy as the receiver, knowing that a uniquely arranged floral gift will bring happiness to the person receiving them. Whether the flowers are to brighten a friend’s kitchen table or your own home office, they bring a sense of joy you want to last forever.

How to Make Your Cut Flowers Last Longer

Although fresh cut flowers will not last forever, there are several things that you can do to make your cut flowers last longer.

1. Begin With a Clean Vase.

It is important to make sure that your vase is clean. This prevents bacterial growth that can shorten the life of your arrangement. You also want to make sure to choose the right size vase so that the stems have plenty of room and the right amount of support.

1. Cut the Stems at an Angle

You should cut your flower stems at a 45-degree angle to allow them to suck up as much water as possible. Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to trim the stem. Repeat this every few days.

1. Use the Packet of Flower Food That Comes with the Bouquet

Make sure you use the packet that comes with your flowers. These contain a special mixture of sugar to feed the plant, along with ingredients to deter bacteria growth and lower the water pH to optimize nutrient absorption.

1. Add Clear Soda to the Water

Adding clear soda to your plant water has a similar impact as the packet that comes with many cut flower bouquets. It provides sugar that the flowers use as food, and the acid in the soda acts to lower the pH to help with food absorption. So, if you don’t have a packet, this is a great substitute.

1. Freshen the Water Regularly

The water in a bouquet of fresh flowers requires changing every 2-3 days. Not only will your flowers drink a great deal of water, the water needs to be changed out due to the accumulation of bacteria in the water that will reduce food absorption. A good habit is to change out the water and recut the stems at the same time.

1. Consider Storing Your Flowers in the Refrigerator Overnight

Storing your cut flowers in the refrigerator overnight is an easy way to keep them fresh longer. This can be especially helpful during the summertime or if you live in a warm climate. The cool temperature helps to slow down water loss and keep your petals fresh. Make sure to remove any fruit that may be in the refrigerator since they emit gasses that speed up flower decay. 

By incorporating these tips, you can extend the life of your cut flowers and the joy that a floral arrangement brings to your home. To see this in action, check out our video for how to make your flower arrangements stay vivid for as long as possible.

If you are looking for a fresh bouquet of cut flowers to brighten up your day or someone else’s, we have a few things in mind. Contact Marquette’s Flowers Works at (906) 273-1335 and let us help you pick the perfect flowers to put a smile on your face