6 Ways to Keep Your Cut Flowers Fresher for Longer

There's nothing like a vase of fresh flowers to breathe life into a room. Whether you got a bouquet from your local florist, cut them from your garden, or picked up a bundle from the grocery store, flowers are a great way to add color and fragrance to your home. However, as soon as those flowers start to die, a wilting bouquet can make a whole space feel drab. While most cut flowers last for about one week, there are a few easy steps you can take to increase their longevity and keep them looking prettier for longer. We talked to floral experts for their best tips and tricks.

Use a Clean Vase

To keep an arrangement fresh, clean your vase to eliminate harmful bacteria. "Everything you do to extend the life of your blooms is to avoid bacteria growth," says Rachel Bridgwood, co-owner of Sweet Root Village. "Starting with a dirty vessel would immediately set you back, so working with a clean vase will be the best way to start." To adequately clean your vessel, scrub it with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, then rinse thoroughly.

Trim the Stems

Trim all green and woody stems at a 45-degree angle. This prevents the stems from sitting flat in the bottom of the vase and creates a large surface area, ensuring maximum water absorption. Use clippers or shears for woody stems and sharp scissors or knives for other flowers. If possible, cut stems under water.

Remove Excess Leaves

Removing excess foliage (and browning petals) is one of the first things you should do when you get your bouquet home. "You should absolutely remove the leaves below the water line, as the leaves will eventually rot and the bacteria in the water will hurt the longevity of the flowers," says Victoria Ahn, a florist and the owner of Designs by Ahn.

Feed Your Flowers

Cut flowers benefit from sugar for nourishment and an acidic ingredient, such as aspirin, to help them absorb water. Cut-flower food provides all the nutrition stems need, so sprinkle the provided packet of food into your vase when you get the bouquet home.

Change the Water

The stems of your flowers should be sitting in fresh water to ensure they stay hydrated and protected from bacteria buildup. "It's recommended to replace the water in the vase daily, as the cleaner the water the longer the lifespan of the arrangement and flowers," says Ahn.

Keep Flowers Away From Heat

Just as your houseplants have specific temperature and light requirements, so too do your cut flowers. "If you have the option to display or store your arrangement in a space away from direct light or heat, you'll find that it will live longer," says Bridgwood. "The cooler the room, the better."