Freshly cut flowers can brighten up any room and provide you with a sweet-smelling natural aroma. However, if not cared for properly, they will die and decay before reaching their full potential.
'Cut flowers look beautiful in the home, they're great for adding extra colour and character into any room. They're also known to relieve anxiety and stress,' says Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express, 'A lot of people aren't aware of how to care for their flowers properly which means they don't get to enjoy them for long enough.'
The way we cut the stems, the type of vase we choose and the temperature of the room, all makes a huge difference to the longevity of cut flowers. Follow these seven steps from the experts to make your cut flowers last longer.
1. Cut your flowers properly
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not cutting the stems properly. Make sure you have a sharp knife or secateurs and cut the stem at a 45 degree angle the first time you put the flowers in the vase, and each time you replace the water. This angle will provide the stem with the largest surface area possible, meaning it can absorb more water.
2. Choose the right vase
The right vase can determine how long your flowers stay fresh for, and choosing the right vase depends on the type of flowers you have. As a general rule, heavier flower arrangements should be kept in a short vase and should have short stems. This gives the flowers more room as they bloom. A lighter selection of flowers can be placed in a taller vase as they'll take up less room as they grow.
Striped Cylinder Glass Vase
Glass vase
Ripple Glass Vase, H23cm, Green
Riviera Stripe Yellow Ceramic Vase
Apothecary Statement Vase
Scarlett Vintage Vase
3. Use the flower food provided
Most cut flowers come with a packet of flower food which a lot of people tend to disregard. Fill up the vase and add the sachet into the water. If your flowers don't come with flower food, you can easily make your own at home. Mix together two tablespoons of lemon juice, one tablespoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of bleach for every litre of water. This will slow down bacteria growth and keep your flowers fresh for longer.
4. Keep the flowers away from heat
You may think placing cut flowers near sunlight is best for their growth, but actually, cut flowers thrive in a cooler environment. Avoid keeping them anywhere in your home that gets too warm and humid.
5. Change the water every other day
Bacteria thrives in stale water so it's important to change the water every other day to keep it fresh, and in turn, get the most out of your flowers.
6. Don’t forget to wash the vase
Each time you change the water, you'll also want to give your vase a really good clean with warm soapy water. Give it a good rinse to ensure all the soapy residue is off before putting your flowers back in.
7. Clean up foliage below water level
It's important to keep the water in your vase clean, so you should remove any foliage that is on the stems below water level. Leaving foliage in the water could cause it to rot, which will harm your flowers.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Freshly cut flowers can brighten up any room and provide a sweet-smelling natural aroma. Caring for cut flowers properly is essential to ensure they last longer and maintain their beauty. Let's explore the concepts mentioned in the article and provide some information on each:
Cutting the Stems Properly
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not cutting the stems properly. It is important to use a sharp knife or secateurs and cut the stem at a 45-degree angle the first time you put the flowers in the vase, and each time you replace the water. This angle provides the stem with the largest surface area possible, allowing it to absorb more water [[1]].
Choosing the Right Vase
The choice of vase can impact how long your flowers stay fresh. For heavier flower arrangements, it is recommended to use a short vase with short stems. This provides more room for the flowers to bloom. Lighter selections of flowers can be placed in taller vases as they take up less room as they grow [[2]].
Using Flower Food
Most cut flowers come with a packet of flower food, which is often disregarded. Flower food helps to nourish the flowers and keep them fresh for longer. If your flowers don't come with flower food, you can make your own at home by mixing two tablespoons of lemon juice, one tablespoon of sugar, and half a teaspoon of bleach for every liter of water. This mixture slows down bacteria growth and helps maintain the freshness of the flowers [[3]].
Keeping Flowers Away from Heat
Contrary to popular belief, cut flowers thrive in a cooler environment. It is best to avoid placing them in areas of the home that get too warm and humid. Placing them near sunlight may not be ideal for their longevity [[4]].
Changing the Water Regularly
Bacteria can thrive in stale water, so it is important to change the water every other day to keep it fresh. This helps to extend the life of the flowers and prevent bacterial growth [[5]].
Washing the Vase
Each time you change the water, it is recommended to give the vase a thorough cleaning with warm soapy water. Rinse it well to ensure all the soapy residue is removed before putting the flowers back in [[6]].
Cleaning Foliage Below Water Level
To keep the water in the vase clean, it is important to remove any foliage that is below the water level. Leaving foliage in the water can cause it to rot, which can harm the flowers [[7]].
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your cut flowers last longer and bring beauty to your home.
