Fresh-cut flowers are a beautiful addition to any home, but keeping them looking their best can be tricky. With just a few simple techniques, you can extend the life of your bouquet and have flowers lasting up to two weeks or more! The secret truly lies in the simple basics of proper water, nutrients, and environmental conditions. With some fundamentals in mind, follow our guidelines to keep your flowers looking fresh for as long as possible– just like many flower shops in Shippensburg PA!

Provide Fresh Water

Fresh water is key to flower longevity. Change the water in flower vases every other day and thoroughly soak dry flower food packets in the water before replacing them in the vase. Cut about an inch off the stems of flowers under water to remove any blockages before placing them in fresh water. Remove any leaves that will be under the waterline.

When replacing the water in vases, use lukewarm water to which you’ve added a flower preservative. Commercial flower preservatives contain sugar, chemicals, and sometimes antibiotics to help prolong the life of cut flowers. If you don’t have a preservative available, adding a bit of lemon-lime soda, vodka, or even plain table sugar to the water can help keep flowers hydrated and fresher longer.

Add Flower Food

Commercial flower food provides the nutrients cut flowers need and helps them absorb more water. Flower food contains mineral elements such as phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients. The small granules slowly release these nutrients into the water over time, feeding the flowers and prolonging their life. Soak commercial flower food packets in the vase water before arranging your fresh flowers.

If you don’t have flower food, add a bit of fruit juice, such as apple or grapefruit juice, to the vase water. The natural sugars in juice can serve as an alternative food source for cut flowers. Change out flower food packets regularly, soaking new ones in fresh water every 2 to 3 days.

Snip the Stems

Many floral arrangements require re-cutting flower stems on a regular basis to improve water absorption. Many flowers, especially roses, develop air bubbles in their stems which block the absorption of water.

Re-cut stems at an angle, preferably underwater, every few days. This allows the stems to take up more water and food. Simply remove about an inch from the stem end and cut at an angle before placing it back in the vase.

Provide the Right Environment

Controlling the environmental conditions around cut flowers helps maximize their vase life.

• Keep flowers out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Sunlight can cause flower deterioration and fading, while heat speeds up the metabolic processes in flowers, shortening their life.

• Maintain moderate temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Most cut flowers prefer “long cool nights and warm days.” Temperatures above 80 degrees or below 50 degrees can damage flowers and shorten their lifespan.

• Use a pebble tray filled with pebbles and a small amount of water – under flower arrangements to provide humidity. The water evaporates from the tray helping to humidify the environment and keeping flowers hydrated. Replace the water in the pebble trays regularly.

By following these basic tips for providing fresh water, food, and a proper environment, you’ll be able to keep your cut flowers happy and last as long as possible – just like a florist! With a little TLC, your fresh flowers will bloom for longer and bring you endless joy.

Get freshly cut flowers hand-delivered by Fisher’s Florist in Shippensburg for any special occasion. We offer a wide variety of roses, lilies, orchids, and seasonal flowers. 

You can order flowers from our location to be delivered for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or just to brighten someone’s day. Send flowers to carlisle pa today!