Florist Secrets : Extending the Life of Your Flowers

In my 20 years of floristry experience, I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping blooms looking their best for longer. There’s nothing quite like the joy of bringing fresh flowers into your home - their vibrant colours and delightful fragrances instantly add a touch of elegance to any space. But, as any flower lover knows, keeping those blooms looking fresh and beautiful can be a challenge.

FREE GIVEAWAY: If you'd love some step by step guidance and inspiration for creating your own floral arrangements at home, sign up for our free series, First Steps Flowers.

Here are some of my top florist secrets for extending the life of your flowers, ensuring you can enjoy their beauty for as long as possible :

Trim, Trim, and Trim Again

As soon as you bring your flowers home, give them a fresh start by trimming the stems. Use sharp scissors or secateurs to cut about an inch off the bottom at a sharp 45-degree angle. This allows for a larger surface area at the base of the stem, therefore allowing better water absorption and helps your flowers live longer. For best results trim the ends after 2-3 days, each time you replace their water.

Keep it Clean

Speaking of water ... a clean vase and fresh water are essential for keeping your flowers vibrant. Bacteria can quickly build up in dirty vases, shortening the lifespan of your flowers. Wash your vase thoroughly with soap and water (make sure you give it a good rinse after using soap) before filling it with fresh, cold water. Adding a small amount of floral food to the water can also help nourish the flowers and keep bacteria at bay.

Remove the Foliage

Before placing your flowers in the vase, remove any leaves, side shoots or debris that would sit below the water line. Submerged leaves can rot and promote bacterial growth, which can harm the flowers. Keeping the water clean and free of debris helps your flowers stay fresh longer.

So Cold!

Flowers thrive in cool environments, so keep your arrangements away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and draughts. Avoid placing your flowers near radiators or in areas with temperature fluctuations. A cool, stable environment will help prolong the life of your blooms.

Feel Fresh and Refreshed

Fresh water is crucial for maintaining the health of your flowers. Change the water every two to three days, making sure to clean the vase and trim the stems each and every time. This routine helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures that your flowers continue to receive the nutrients they need.

Flower Longevity Made Easy

By following these professional florist secrets, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your flowers for as long as possible. From trimming the stems to maintaining clean water, these simple steps can make a significant difference in the longevity of your blooms.

Fresh flowers have a way of brightening any space and lifting the mood, so take a little extra time to care for them, and let their natural beauty enhance your home. Embrace these tips, and enjoy the lasting elegance and charm that fresh flowers bring to your life.

Claim your free floral design tutorials HERE and put your new longevity tips into practice!