How to Make Fresh Flowers Last Longer: Step-by-step Guide

Flowers on the table can enliven any interior. However, we all know that the main disadvantage of fresh bouquets - they wilt very quickly. So it can be disappointing when they start to lose their vibrancy after just a few days.  

Whether you’ve received a bouquet as a gift or purchased flowers for yourself, you can make them last longer. Take steps to keep flowers fresh and enjoy their beauty for as long as possible.   

Several factors affect the lifespan of fresh flowers, including the:

• type of flower and its natural lifespan;
• proper care;
• attention can extend their life significantly. 

There are simple and effective ways to keep your flowers looking their best.

In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks on how to make flowers last longer. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to bring fresh flowers home, this guide will help. So you can enjoy your blooms for days, or even weeks.

Long Lasting Flowers: Florist’s Advice 

Flowers are a natural gift that brings joy, color, and fragrance to our lives. Flowers are a common way of expressing emotions. You can use them to celebrate significant events, from birthdays to weddings. However, it can be frustrating when your fresh bouquet starts to wilt and lose its beauty after just a few days. If you want to keep most of your flowers, you might wonder how to make flowers last longer.

Fortunately, florists are experts in flower care. They have plenty of advice to offer on how to extend the life of your flowers. They know all the tricks of the trade regarding:

• selecting the right flowers;
• arranging them in a vase;
• maintaining their freshness. 

We’ll take a deep dive into flower care. We will share expert advice on keeping your flowers looking their best for as long as possible. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, you’ll find valuable tips on how to keep flowers fresh here.

Step #1: No Foliage in the Water

Take off the technical packaging. There is nothing beautiful about cellophane and synthetic mesh. Pour more water into the vase. So that the flower stems reach as much water as possible and can absorb it through the capillaries.

Step #2: Add a Packet of Flower Food to the Water

Adding a packet of flower food to the water is a simple yet effective way to get long-lasting flowers. The nutrients in flower food packets typically include sugar, citric acid, and bleach. Mix a flower food packet with fresh, clean water according to the instructions on the packet. Change the water and add a fresh packet of flower food every few days. You need it to keep your flowers looking their best.

Step #3: Trim the Stems

Remove the lower leaves and carefully cut off the thorns to keep cut flowers fresh. You can lightly trim the green layer at the tip of the stem (3 to 5 centimeters). Take a sharp knife with a thin blade (it is convenient to use a stationery knife). Make a clear, confident cut at an angle of at least 45 degrees. The larger the cut area, the easier the stem will absorb and deliver moisture to the buds. You can also do pruning with a pruning shear, but only with a very sharp one. Otherwise, some of the capillaries will be damaged or compressed.

Step #4: Remove Lower Leaves

If you wonder how to keep flowers fresh, the following advice is useful. When you place the stems in a vase, a flower's lower leaves will be submerged in the water. These leaves can carry bacteria into the water. They clog the stems and prevent the flowers from getting the nutrients they need to stay fresh. This simple step will help prevent bacteria from multiplying in the water. It can cause the flowers to wilt and die more quickly.

To remove the lower leaves, simply use scissors or pruning shears to snip them off at the base of the stem. Be careful not to remove too many leaves as the flowers need some to absorb water and nutrients.

Step #5: Add Glycerin 

One more step on how to make flowers last longer is adding glycerin. Dilute glycerin with hot water in a 1:2 ratio. The stem should always remain at least half submerged in the solution. Take a narrow, tall vase, preferably clear, so you can control the liquid level and refill in time.

Step #6: Choose the Right Vase

The right vase should be the right size for your bouquet. A material for a vase should not damage or contaminate your flowers. Glass vases are a popular choice. The reason is that  they are transparent and allow you to see the stems and water level. They also won't contaminate the water or harm the flowers. The size of the vase is also important. It is a secret for long-lasting flowers. If the vase is too small, the flowers may be crowded and have trouble getting enough water. You’ll want a tall vase to support the stems and wide enough to allow the flowers to spread out naturally.

Step #7: Keep Them Cool

It is important to let the plants stay cool if you want to keep cut flowers fresh. Heat can cause flowers to wilt and die more quickly. So keeping them away from heat sources and direct sunlight is important. If you want to give your flowers an extra boost of coolness, you can place them in the refrigerator for a few hours. First, place them in a plastic bag to protect them from moisture and odor.

Step #8: Change the Water

If you still don’t know how to keep flowers fresh,  you need to change the water daily or at least every other day. The main goal is to prevent the growth of bacteria and provide the necessary nutrition. For disinfection, aspirin, activated and charcoal, vodka, salt, soda, and a weak solution of potassium permanganate are used. For nutrition, put sugar, citric acid, or a special top dressing for cut flowers. When changing the water, it does not hurt to refresh the cuts.

Step #9: Remove Wilting Flowers

Removing wilting flowers from your bouquet is important to keep flowers fresh. Because once a flower starts to wilt or die, it can carry bacteria into the water. This bacteria can then spread to the other flowers in the bouquet, causing them to wilt and die more. That is why removing any dead flowers as soon as possible is essential to prevent the spread of bacteria.

What to Do If Fresh Flowers Aren't So Fresh Anymore: 6 Ways

Fresh flowers are a beautiful addition to any space. But unfortunately, they don't last forever. If you've ever purchased fresh flowers, you know that they can start to wilt and fade after just a few days. It's always best to take preventive measures to keep your flowers looking fresh. Sometimes they just last less than you'd like. The good news is that you can still do things to revive them and extend their life. Read our ideas to use flowers that aren’t long-lasting flowers below.

1. You Can Dry the Flowers

Select the flowers you want to dry. Some of the best flowers for drying include roses, lavender, and daisies. Remove any leaves and trim the stems to the desired length. You can use floral wire to reinforce the stem if the flowers are particularly fragile. Tie the flowers in small bunches and hang them upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area. 

The flowers can take a few days to a few weeks to dry completely. Once the flowers are completely dry, you can store them in a dry, air-tight container. 

2. Press Flowers in a Book

If you did not use ways to keep cut flowers fresh, you could use the pressed flowers in various ways, such as:

• making cards;
• bookmarks;
• adding them to your scrapbook. 

Pressing flowers is a great way to preserve their beauty and use flowers that aren't so fresh anymore.

3. Use Flowers for Tea DIY

To use flowers for tea, first choose safe-to-consume flowers with a pleasant taste, such as:

• chamomile;
• lavender;
• rose petals. 

Then wash the flowers thoroughly and remove any leaves. Finally, steep the flowers in hot water for several minutes. You need to do it to create a fragrant and flavorful tea. Enjoy your homemade flower tea hot or cold.

4. Use Them in Bath and Body Products

Dried flowers can add a natural touch to your bath and body products. So if you do not know how to keep flowers fresh, use them in your bathroom. You can infuse them into oils or make homemade soap or bath bombs. You also can add only rose petals to create a mysterious atmosphere in the bathroom.

5. Make Potpourri

First, gather all the ingredients you would like to use in your aromatic blend. If the amount of wilted flowers is limited, or there are not enough color shades, you can add herbs, such as:

• rosemary;
• thyme;
• sage. 

To add spice to the fragrance, use ingredients such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

After you have gathered all the ingredients for the blend, dry them thoroughly. To dry the flowers and herbs and prevent them from rotting, place them in a cool and well-ventilated place.

When all the petals and plants have dried, mix them in a large bowl. To enhance the aroma of the blend, you can add essential oils to it.

6. Make Rose Water  

If you do not keep flowers fresh, prepare special water with rose petals. Rose water moisturizes, nourishes, and cares for skin and hair. Using natural red roses and floral eau de toilette for skin care is good. You can find rose water in conditioners and hair rinses left on the hair. To prepare it, place the rose petals in the bottom of a wide saucepan to cover them in several layers. Then, fill the rose petals with water so that the water just covers the petals. After this, heat water with rose petals until boiling. When the water boils, turn off the gas and fill the inverted lid of the pot with ice cubes.

Order Fresh Flowers Online with Rosaholics

Rosaholics is an online flower delivery service that allows customers to order long-lasting flowers online and deliver them right to their doorstep. With a wide selection of high-quality flowers, we offer a convenient and reliable way to send flowers for any occasion.

To order fresh roses and other flowers online with Rosaholics, simply visit our website and browse through a collection of flowers. You can choose from various bouquets, arrangements, and individual stems. Also, you can customize your order to suit your preferences. Moreover, you can turn to our professional florists for help. So, do not hesitate to contact us for the best flowers!

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