Steps to Keeping Your Flowers Fresh

Flowers from your partner bring lots of smiles and cheer. Yet, flowers are living things that don’t last forever. If you purchase from a reputable Florist and follow the aftercare instructions, you can expect your flowers to last up to three weeks depending on the variety of flower you purchased.

If you’re looking for ways on how to make those Valentine’s Day flowers or Anniversary arrangements stay fresh and bloom vibrantly for days, you might be surprised to find that you can use items from inside your house.

Flower Care Tips from Fiesta Flowers 

The first step to making flowers stay fresh for extended periods is by applying proper flower care guidelines:

• Cut the stems of the flowers – One of the most common mistakes made by some people is forgetting to cut the stems after receiving flowers. Using garden shears, trim one to two inches off from the bottom of the stem. Be sure to cut at a deep angle to allow more surface area for better water intake since these flowers won’t be sitting flat on the bottom. After the initial cut, trim the stems once every few days.
• Remove all of the leaves below the water line – Doing so will not just make the flower arrangement look better, it will also prevent bacterial growth that will kill the flowers. Check daily for loose leaves and petals or other debris in the water to avoid bacterial rot.
• Avoid direct sunlight or heat – Flowers will last longer in an area with cool temperatures. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or very near appliances that generate heat. Avoid putting them near open windows or cooling/heating vents.

Although the flower food packet that arrives with your flowers is the very best solution to use to keep your flowers freshest longest. There are some common household ingredients that may help if you’ve run out of flower food.

Here are some helpful tips from Fiesta Flowers, Plants, & Gifts to keep those flowers around even longer: 

1. Aspirin

Aspirin is a tried-and-tested ingredient to keeping cut flowers fresh longer. Before putting the flowers into the vase with water, add crushed aspirin first. Change the water every few days and don’t forget the crushed aspirin.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Sugar

Simply mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons sugar into the vase, pour in water before adding the flowers. Vinegar is the antibacterial agent and the sugar serves as flower food. Make sure to change the water (and add vinegar and sugar, of course) every few days.

3. Bleach

Add ¼ teaspoon bleach to one liter of water. Or try three drops bleach plus one teaspoon sugar in one liter of water. This helps prevent the water from getting cloudy and inhibits bacterial growth.

4. Coins

Some freshly cut flowers such as Tulips will last longer when you add a spoonful of sugar and a copper penny to the water. Copper will act as an acidifier which helps prevent the growth of bacteria.

5. Vodka

Yes, you can use vodka to keep flowers fresh-looking longer. It also provides the needed nourishment to the flowers. Mix a few drops of vodka (if you don’t have vodka, any clear spirit beverage you have will suffice) and one teaspoon sugar, then add to the water in the vase. Remember to change the water every other day, and don’t forget the vodka and sugar mixture.

6. Soda

Add ¼ cup clear soda such as Sprite to the water before adding your freshly-cut flowers. Sugar in the soda will not only make the flowers last longer. Flowers will also smell sweeter with soda.

If you run out of actual Flower Food, these household items may prove to be helpful in keeping flowers and their memories fresh!