How to Make Your Cut Flowers Last Longer
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How to Make Your Cut Flowers Last Longer
There's nothing better than receiving a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers, but it can be disappointing when they start to wilt after just a few days. The good news is that with a few simple steps you can keep your flowers looking fresh and vibrant for much longer. Here at Handover Flowers we deliver fresh bouquets across Peterborough, Stamford, Bourne, Spalding and the surrounding villages, and we want to make sure every arrangement lasts as long as possible once it arrives.
Trim the stems before putting them in water As soon as you receive your flowers, trim about 2-3cm off the bottom of each stem at a diagonal angle. Cutting at an angle increases the surface area of the stem, allowing the flower to drink more water. Always use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife — a blunt blade can crush the stem and restrict water flow. Try to trim the stems every couple of days to keep them drinking well.
Use clean, cool water and change it regularly Fill your vase with cool, clean water and change it every two days. Bacteria builds up quickly in flower water and is one of the main reasons bouquets die prematurely. Each time you change the water give the vase a quick rinse to remove any residue. If your bouquet came with a sachet of flower food, add it to the water as directed — it contains nutrients and antibacterial agents that genuinely help.
Remove any leaves below the waterline Any leaves sitting in the water will rot quickly and encourage bacteria to grow. Before placing your flowers in the vase, remove all leaves from the lower part of the stems so that only the stems themselves are submerged. This one simple step can significantly extend the life of your bouquet.
Keep flowers away from heat and direct sunlight Flowers last much longer in a cool environment. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, near radiators, on top of televisions, or near fruit bowls. Fruit releases ethylene gas as it ripens which speeds up the ageing process in flowers. A cool spot out of direct light is ideal.
Keep them away from draughts Cold draughts from open windows or air conditioning can dry out petals quickly. Find a spot that's cool but sheltered for the best results.
Mist the petals Lightly misting the petals with water once a day can help keep them hydrated, particularly in warm or dry rooms. Don't soak them — just a light spray is enough.
Remove dying flowers promptly As individual flowers start to fade, remove them from the arrangement. Dying flowers release gases that speed up the wilting of the remaining blooms, so keeping the bouquet tidy actually helps the healthy flowers last longer.
Which flowers last the longest? If longevity is important to you, look out for chrysanthemums, carnations, alstroemeria and lilies — these are among the longest lasting cut flowers and can stay fresh for two weeks or more with the right care. Roses and tulips are slightly more delicate but will still last well with regular water changes and cool conditions.
At Handover Flowers we take great care in selecting fresh seasonal blooms for every order. Our bouquets are hand-tied and delivered personally across Peterborough, Stamford, Bourne, Spalding, Market Deeping, Deeping St James, Oundle and over 100 surrounding villages. If you'd like to order a fresh bouquet for delivery please visit our website or call us on 01778 349187.
