Want your flowers to last longer?

Residue from previous uses can harbor bacteria, which can lead to premature wilting and decay in your new bouquet. To ensure your flowers stay fresh, start by thoroughly cleaning your vase with hot, soapy water, then rinse it well to remove any soap residue.

Foliage that is submerged in water can decay and release harmful bacteria, which can shorten the lifespan of your flowers. To ensure your bouquet stays fresh and healthy, remove any leaves or foliage that will fall below the waterline in your vase. This can be done by gently stripping the stems of excess foliage before arranging them in the vase.

To ensure optimal water uptake, it's important to trim the stems before placing them in a vase. Use sharp scissors or floral shears to make a fresh, angled cut (about 1/2 inch) at the base of each stem. NOTE: Daffodils and tulips ooze a slimy sap that can significantly shorten the vase life of other flowers. Their stems have been conditioned and the sap contained prior to your purchase. Do not trim daffodils or tulips when arranged with other flowers.

Over time, water can become cloudy and develop bacteria, which can shorten the lifespan of your flowers. To keep your flowers looking their best, change the water in your vase every 2 to 3 days, or whenever it starts to look cloudy or smell unpleasant. To change the water, carefully remove the flowers from the vase and set them aside. Discard the old water and rinse the vase thoroughly with fresh, lukewarm water.

Dead flowers can release ethylene gas, which speeds up the decay process and can affect the freshness of the remaining blooms. Additionally, decaying petals can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can further shorten the lifespan of your arrangement. To remove dead flowers and petals, carefully inspect your bouquet daily and look for any blooms that are past their prime or petals that have started to wilt or turn brown. Using sharp scissors or floral shears, trim these flowers from the bouquet at the base of their stems, making sure to cut at an angle to maximize water absorption for the remaining blooms. If you notice individual petals that have wilted or turned brown while the flower is still in good condition, gently pluck these petals off by hand to maintain the overall appearance of the bouquet. Be careful not to disturb the remaining healthy flowers while doing so.

Fruits, especially ripening fruits, release ethylene gas, which can accelerate the aging process of flowers and cause them to wilt more quickly. Direct sunlight can also cause flowers to dry out and fade prematurely. To protect your arrangement, place it in a cool, well-ventilated area away from any ripening fruits, such as bananas, apples, or tomatoes. Ideally, store your arrangement in a room with a consistent temperature and away from drafts or heating vents.