Although fresh flowers are a wonderful gift all year round, they’re certainly more affordable and accessible once spring arrives. Whether you prefer bouncy tulips, sunny daffodils, or lovely hyacinth, it’s important to know how to make flowers last longer so that you can enjoy their beauty for as long as possible. Review our tips below, and be sure to share them with all your flower-loving friends.
How to Make Flowers Last Longer
Put the flowers in water ASAP.
By the time you get your flowers home, they’re likely quite thirsty. Plunge them into water right away. If the stems breathe in too much air, they may struggle to absorb water later.
Use a clean vase.
You don’t want any dust or debris mingling with your beautiful flowers. Clean the vase before you begin, and rinse it well.
Cut the stems and remove extra leaves.
Once you’ve found a suitable vase for your flowers, it’s time to cut the stems. Use sharp, clean scissors. Cutting at a 45-degree angle creates more surface area, which will increase water absorption.
If the stems contain leaves that don’t add to the bouquet’s aesthetics, remove them. This is especially important for any leaves below the water, as they will increase bacteria buildup in the vase, which will shorten the bouquet’s lifespan.
Feed your flowers.
Many florists will provide a flower food formula with your bouquet, but you can also purchase commercial flower preservatives. The chemicals in these concoctions prevent the growth of microorganisms in the water, make the water more acidic (which the stems prefer), and provide energy in the form of sugar. If you don’t have flower food, consider adding a spoonful of sugar to the vase (for energy) and a teaspoon of white vinegar (to control bacteria). Or, you could add a splash of clear lemon-lime soda (about 1/4 cup). After you’ve added your preservative to the vase, fill it with lukewarm water and mix. Then you can add the flowers.
Change the water often.
Would you like to drink from an old glass of water each day? Of course not! Every day, empty your vase, add more flower food, fill the vase with lukewarm water, and mix. Then, give the stems a slight trim and place the flowers back in their home. If any of the flowers are dead or have wilted leaves, remove them.
Give your bouquet a comfortable place to sit.
Although flowers outdoors often crave sunlight, a bouquet should be kept away from the sun. Avoid putting your vase near other warm things as well, such as vents, radiators, and windows. Additionally, don’t place flowers near fruit that may release gas (such as apples, bananas, and pears), as this can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely. At night, consider putting your flowers in the coolest place in your house (so long as it’s not freezing!) to prevent bacteria growth. You can even place your bouquet in the fridge if you have the room, assuming you don’t have any gas-releasing fruit in the fridge.
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Now that you know how to make flowers last longer, why not place an order for a lovely bouquet? Put your newfound skills to the test!
At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to enjoy your retirement in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to join an exercise class or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today.