How To Make Your Cut Flowers Last Longer

Cut flowers are a beautiful addition to any home, but they require some care to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. With proper care, cut flowers can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. In this article, we’ll discuss some simple steps you can take to care for your cut flowers and extend their lifespan.

Cut the stems at an angle

When you first bring your cut flowers home, it’s important to cut the stems at an angle with a sharp pair of scissors or a knife. This increases the surface area for water uptake and helps the flowers absorb water more easily. Be sure to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to prevent them from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase, which can impede water uptake.

Remove any leaves below the waterline

Before placing your flowers in a vase, remove any leaves that will be below the waterline. These leaves can decay and promote the growth of bacteria, which can shorten the lifespan of your flowers.

Use clean water

Fill your vase with clean, room-temperature water. Avoid using hot or cold water, as this can shock the flowers and prevent them from taking up water properly. It’s also a good idea to change the water every few days to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

Add flower food

Many florists provide packets of flower food with cut flowers, but if you don’t have any, you can make your own by mixing a teaspoon of sugar with a few drops of bleach in the vase. The sugar provides nutrients for the flowers, while the bleach helps prevent the growth of bacteria.

Keep the flowers away from heat and direct sunlight

Cut flowers are sensitive to temperature and light, so it’s best to keep them away from direct sunlight and sources of heat, such as ovens or heaters. This can cause the flowers to wilt more quickly.

Re-cut the stems every few days and remove any spent stems

To keep your flowers fresh, it’s a good idea to re-cut the stems every few days. This will help to ensure that the flowers are able to take up water properly and stay hydrated.

As blooms perish they release ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that accelerates the ripening and aging process of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. As a cut flower begins to deteriorate, it releases increasing amounts of ethylene, which can cause the petals to wilt, the colour to fade, and the flower to lose its fragrance.

In addition to releasing ethylene, cut flowers also produce bacteria that can clog the stem and prevent the flower from taking up water properly. This can further hasten the decline of the flower and contaminate surrounding plant matter and water.

Therefore, to extend the lifespan of your cut flowers, it’s important to remove any decaying plant matter, which is a source of ethylene gas (ripening fruit also gives off this gas), to help to slow the aging process of your arrangement.

Mist the flowers

Some flowers, such as roses and hydrangeas, benefit from being misted with water. This helps to keep the petals hydrated and can extend the lifespan of the flowers.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your cut flowers stay fresh and beautiful for as long as possible. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy your cut flowers for days or even weeks to come.