What Can You Do to Make Bouquets Last Longer?

There's nothing like receiving a beautiful bouquet of your favorite blooms. Whether it's for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, they can bring joy and life into any home. While fresh flowers make a wonderful gift, it can be saddening when they don't last very long. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help your bouquet stay vibrant and fragrant for longer. Keep reading for some tips to preserve your flowers.

1. Choose Fresh Flowers

When selecting your flowers, look for ones that are in season and have recently been cut. Usually, the more time that's passed since a flower was cut, the shorter its lifespan will be. Also, take a moment to check that there are no brown or wilting petals before you buy them.

2. Trim the Stems

Before arranging your bouquet, it's important to prepare the stems by trimming off about one inch of the bottom with a sharp pair of scissors. This will create a clean cut and help the flower absorb more water.

3. Remove Extra Leaves

Remove any leaves below the water line, as these can rot and create bacteria in the water. This will also help to reduce the chances of your flowers wilting prematurely.

4. Change the Water Regularly

Keep your flowers in fresh water, and change them out every two to three days. Refreshing the vase will help ensure that the water doesn't start to smell or become cloudy. Also, add a few drops of bleach to the vase each time you refill it with new water.

5. Don't Put Your Bouquet in Direct Sunlight

If you want your flowers to last longer, keep them away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Intense direct sun can cause the petals to wilt quickly.

6. Add a Flower Food Packet

Yes, flowers need a snack sometimes! A packet of flower food adds extra hydration and keeps them blooming for longer. Be aware that the food tends to dissipate over time, so you may need to add more over a few days.

With extra care and attention, you can keep your bouquet looking fresh for weeks. In 2019 alone, florists and gardeners produced about 250 million roses for Valentine's Day, so it's helpful to know how to keep all those blooms going strong for as long as possible! If you're ready to brighten someone's day or bring life into your home, contact Rose & Blossom for fresh flowers.