Floral Care Tips: How to Keep Your Blooms Fresh Longer

Floral Care Tips: How to Keep Your Blooms Fresh Longer

Apr 18

Written By Kristi Spagnuolo

There’s nothing quite like a fresh bouquet of flowers to brighten a room — or a mood! But keeping those beautiful blooms vibrant and perky can be a challenge if you’re not sure how to care for them. Whether you picked them from your garden or received a surprise delivery, a little love goes a long way in extending their life. Here's your go-to guide for simple and effective floral care tips.

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1. Start with a Clean Vase
It sounds basic, but it's essential! Bacteria is one of the main culprits behind wilting flowers. Always wash your vase with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly before adding your blooms.
2. Fresh Water is Key
Change the water every two days (or daily, if possible). Use lukewarm water and add flower food if provided — it really helps! If you don’t have flower food, a DIY mix of a few drops of bleach, a teaspoon of sugar, and a splash of lemon juice can help mimic the benefits.
3. Trim the Stems
Before placing your flowers in water, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption. Re-trim them every couple of days when you change the water.
4. Choose the Right Spot
Keep your flowers out of direct sunlight, away from heat sources, and far from fruit. (Yes, fruit! Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which speeds up wilting.)
5. Keep it Cool
Cooler temperatures help flowers last longer. If you’re leaving for a bit, you can even place your bouquet in the fridge overnight — just be sure it's not too cold and avoid putting them near produce.
6. Remove Wilting Flowers Promptly
As flowers begin to fade, remove them from the arrangement. They can release bacteria that shorten the life of the remaining healthy flowers.
Bonus Tip: Know Your Flowers
Different flowers have different care needs. For example:
**Roses** like deep water and frequent trimming.
**Tulips** prefer shallow water and continue to grow after being cut.
**Lilies** should have their pollen removed to prevent staining and extend vase life.