How to Keep Your Flowers Fresh Longer

Fresh flowers can brighten any space, and with proper care, they can last much longer. Here are some practical tips to help keep your blooms looking fresh and vibrant for days or even weeks:

1. Trim the Stems

• Cut at an angle: When you first bring your flowers home, trim 1-2 inches off the stems at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase, which can block water intake.

• Re-cut regularly: Trim the stems every 2-3 days to maintain the flowers' ability to absorb water efficiently.

2. Use Clean, Room-Temperature Water

• Change water frequently: Fresh water is key to keeping flowers healthy. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria buildup, which can shorten the life of your flowers.

• Avoid hot or cold water: Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the flowers, as extreme temperatures can damage the stems and petals.

3. Remove Foliage Below the Waterline

• Any leaves or foliage that sit below the waterline should be removed. These can decompose in the water, leading to bacterial growth that clogs stems and causes flowers to wilt prematurely.

4. Use Floral Preservatives

• Most flower bouquets come with a small packet of floral preservative. This mix of sugar, acid, and bleach helps feed the flowers, balance pH levels, and prevent bacterial growth.

• DIY alternative: If you don’t have a floral preservative, you can make one by mixing:

  • 1 teaspoon of sugar (feeds the flowers)

  • 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice (acid to balance the water)

  • 1 drop of bleach (prevents bacteria)

5. Place Flowers in the Right Location

• Avoid direct sunlight: While flowers need light, direct sunlight can cause them to wilt faster.

• Keep away from heat sources: Avoid placing your flowers near heat sources like radiators, vents, or appliances, as they dry out quickly in warm conditions.

• Avoid drafts: Cold drafts or breezes from fans and air conditioners can also cause flowers to dry out or droop sooner.

6. Mist the Flowers

• Some flowers benefit from being misted with water to keep their petals hydrated. Lightly spray them with a fine mist of water every few days, especially if the air is dry.

7. Monitor for Wilting Blooms

• Remove any wilted or dead flowers as soon as possible. Dying flowers release ethylene gas, which can cause the remaining flowers to wilt prematurely.

  
  

Holland Nurseries Florist & Flower Delivery can keep your flowers fresh and beautiful for much longer, allowing you to enjoy their beauty to the fullest!

To order flowers online, contact our flower shop in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Holland Nurseries Florist & Flower Delivery

401 Torbay Rd St. John's, NL A1A 5C9

(709) 726-1283

https://www.newfoundlandflorist.com/