Bringing home a fresh bouquet from the florist can instantly brighten any space, but how do you make those beautiful blooms last longer? With proper care, you can extend the life of your flowers and enjoy their beauty for days, or even weeks. Follow these simple tips to ensure your bouquet stays fresh and vibrant.

1. Trim the Stems

The first thing you should do after bringing your bouquet home is to trim the stems. Cut about an inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors or garden shears. This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, which can block water flow.

2. Use the Right Vase

Choose a clean vase that is tall enough to support the stems but not too crowded. Ensure it has enough room for each flower to breathe without being squished together. Clean your vase with soap and warm water before placing the flowers to remove any bacteria that could shorten their lifespan.

3. Add Fresh, Room-Temperature Water

Fill the vase with room-temperature water, ensuring it covers the stems but doesn't submerge the leaves. Cold water can shock the flowers, while hot water can cause damage. Most flowers thrive in fresh, lukewarm water.

4. Add Flower Food

Florists often provide flower food packets with your bouquet. This food contains nutrients that help keep your flowers fresh longer. Be sure to mix the packet with water as directed on the label. If you don’t have flower food, you can use a homemade mixture of one teaspoon of sugar, one teaspoon of bleach, and two teaspoons of lemon or lime juice per quart of water to achieve similar results.

5. Remove Any Foliage Below the Waterline

Leaves submerged in water can rot and promote bacteria growth, which will shorten the life of your bouquet. Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline to keep the water clean and clear.

6. Change the Water Regularly

To keep your flowers fresh, change the water every 2-3 days. Each time you change the water, clean the vase and give the stems another trim to ensure they absorb water efficiently.

7. Keep Flowers in a Cool, Shaded Area

Avoid placing your bouquet in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or near fruit. Direct sun and heat will make the flowers wilt faster, while fruit releases ethylene gas that can cause premature aging of your blooms. Keep your bouquet in a cool room, away from drafts, heaters, or windowsills where temperature fluctuations can stress the flowers.

8. Refresh the Flowers

If some flowers start to wilt before others, remove them from the arrangement. This will prevent dying flowers from releasing ethylene gas, which can shorten the life of the others. Reposition the remaining flowers to maintain a beautiful arrangement.

9. Bonus Tip: Spray for Extra Hydration

Lightly mist your bouquet with water to keep the petals hydrated, especially if the air in your home is dry. This is particularly useful for delicate flowers like roses and hydrangeas.

Conclusion

With a little extra care, you can enjoy your bouquet for much longer. By trimming the stems, using fresh water, and keeping the arrangement in a cool spot, you’ll keep your flowers looking beautiful and vibrant. The next time you bring home fresh blooms, these simple tips will ensure they last as long as possible.