Cut flowers will wilt and die pretty quickly if you don’t take care of them properly. If you follow these six steps, however, you should be able to keep them looking fresh and beautiful for much longer.
As this video from the Reactions YouTube channel explains, a little basic chemistry can keep that bouquet looking like it’s straight out of the garden day after day. Here’s what you need to do:
Clean your vase: Some soap and water will remove any bacteria or fungi that might ruin your flowers.
Use warm water: It’s best to use water that is around 110 degrees Fahrenheit and has been degassed. Fill the clean vase with the warm water and let it sit for a few minutes so all the air bubbles can escape.
Feed your flowers: Add the packet of flower food that came with the flowers. It has bleach to fight off microbes, citric acid to promote water uptake, and sugar to keep your flowers looking fresh.
Cut the stems: Hold the stems under running water and cut them at a 45 degree angle. This creates a wide opening to the xylem (where the flowers drink up water) and keeps air bubbles to a minimum so they don’t block the water pathways.
Keep fruit away: Fruit produces ethylene, which tells a plant to ripen, and that will shorten the life span of your flowers.
Keep your flowers cool: Try to store your flowers somewhere that isn’t too warm. If you’re leaving the house for a day or two, stick your flowers in the fridge (away from fruit). The cold reduces microbial growth and the metabolic rate of your flowers, extending their life.
Flowers don’t last forever, but these tips will at least earn you a few extra days with them.
How to Make Flowers Last Longer | YouTube