You've got a beautiful bouquet and you want it to last. Most people get maybe five days out of cut flowers because they're doing three things wrong. Here's what actually works, tested on thousands of bouquets.
Cut the stems properly
When flowers arrive, take them out of the wrap and recut the stems at a 45-degree angle under water or in a sink full of water. This opens the vessels and stops air bubbles forming. Skip this step and your flowers will wilt faster no matter what else you do.
Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line. They'll rot and breed bacteria, which clogs the stems and shortens vase life.
Use the right water
Lukewarm water is best for most flowers. Cold water shocks tropical varieties like birds of paradise or anthurium. If your bouquet came with flower food, use it. It feeds the blooms and inhibits bacteria.
Change the water every two to three days. Not just top it up, actually change it. Bacteria builds up faster than people think.
The fruit bowl problem
Ripe fruit releases ethylene gas, which makes flowers age faster. Keep your bouquet away from bananas, apples, avocados and tomatoes. Also keep it away from radiators, direct sunlight and drafts.
Different flowers, different rules
Hardy flowers like alstroemeria, lilies and chrysanthemums can last two weeks with good care. Delicate ones like sweet peas, lisianthus and ranunculus are more fragile and may only get five to seven days. If a stem starts drooping, recut it and move it to fresh water immediately.
Don't panic if a few petals fall. It's normal. What matters is whether the rest of the bouquet is holding up.
When to call it
Once more than half the bouquet has wilted or turned, it's time to let it go. Dried flowers can still look beautiful in a vase or pressed frame, so don't throw it out straight away.
Want flowers that arrive conditioned and ready to last? Order from us and we'll make sure they do.
