Caring for Cut Flowers
Essential steps in ensuring the longest vase life possible for your fresh cut flowers
How can I make my flowers last longer?
Certain varieties of cut flowers last longer than others. Carnations, for example, can remain vibrant for long periods. Roses have a shorter vase life, but are prized for their special and delicate beauty. When buying flowers, be sure to ask your florist how long you should expect your arrangement to last. Whatever variety you choose, a little TLC will go a long way to keep your blooms looking fresh longer. Here are a few handy tips that can help add days to their beauty!
Essentials for your flowers
Keep them in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit; 18 to 22 degrees Celsius), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, direct drafts from a ceiling fan, and the tops of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, causing flowers to dehydrate.)
When your flowers arrive in wet foam
Keep the floral foam soaked in water containing floral food provided by your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
When your flowers are arranged in water
Keep the vase filled with water containing floral food provided by your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package. If the solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, recut the stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth that can harm the flowers.
When your flowers have woody stems and branches (such as Quince, Forsythia, or Lilac)
Cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place in warm water containing fresh floral food to promote flower opening.
What is floral food and why use it?
Floral food is a combination of additives that help to nourish the flowers and discourage bacteria from growing in the water. It is one of the best—and easiest—ways to extend the life of your flowers. It is very important to follow the directions on the package correctly. Improperly mixed floral food can do more harm than good.
Source: Teleflora Canada, Photo Credit: HGTV.com
Frequently asked questions
Most fresh cut flowers last 5 to 10 days with proper care. Roses may last 7 days, while carnations and chrysanthemums can last up to 2 weeks.
Change the water every 2 to 3 days, or as soon as it looks cloudy. Always use fresh floral food when you change it.
Yes. Trim 2 to 5 cm off each stem at an angle before placing flowers in water, and re-trim every few days to help them absorb water.
That's floral food. It feeds the flowers and slows bacterial growth in the water, which is the main reason flowers wilt early. Follow the package directions for the correct ratio.
Keep arrangements in a cool spot (18 to 22°C), away from direct sunlight, heating vents, ceiling fans, and on top of appliances like TVs that give off heat.
Floral food works best. If you're out, a small amount of sugar with a few drops of bleach can help short-term, but it's not a substitute for proper floral food.
No. Woody-stemmed flowers like lilac or quince need their stems cut with pruning shears and warm water. Most soft-stemmed flowers prefer cool water and a sharp angled cut.
Petals will wilt or curl faster than expected, and water may cloud up sooner. If this happens, always keep the arrangement in a cooler, shadier spot and refresh the water.
