10 Tips to Make Fresh Cut Flowers Last Longer

I love fresh cut flowers in a vase.  In fact, every time I pass by the bouquets of  fresh flowers at the farmers market my eyes glaze over because I want to buy them all and take them home with me.

On the rare occasion when I buy cut flowers or my MIL sends them to me, I am always amazed at how much longer they last than the ones I cut in my backyard.  Well, it turns out those florists have some tricks up their sleeves—real secret squirrel stuff.

Here are a couple tips to try to make your cut flowers last longer:

1. Cut flowers in the morning or evening when the weather is cooler and the buds are just starting to open or close.
2. Cut stems at a slant, so there will be more surface area for the stem to suck up water.
3. Immediately put the stem into water after cutting.  Once the cut seals up, the flower can’t take up water.
4. Make sure to cut off any leaves that will be in the water.  Rotting leaves in the water will lead to faster decay.
5. Add about ½ tsp. of sugar to water for a little flower pick-me-up.  Also, a scant amount of bleach or vodka {or other clear alcohol} will help limit bacteria growth in the water.
6. Keep cut flowers out of direct sunlight and away from fruit bowls {Which I am sure you have delicately arranged so that you can do an amazing oil painting. Ha.}
7. Change the water completely every 2 days.
8. Crush an aspirin and put it in the vase with water.  It will extend the life of the flowers.
9. Try placing pennies in the bottom of the vase.  The copper makes the water more acidic, which prevents bacteria from growing.
10. Give the petals a couple of spritzes of hairspray.  It will prevent them from fading prematurely.  {Plus, it will add volume and hold.  Ha.}

Do you have any tips to getting fresh cut flowers to last longer?

~Mavis

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