9 tips to make your cut flowers last longer

Today, I thought it might be useful to provide a few tips on how to maximise the vase life of your cut flowers. 

Most flowers live for at least five days, but some types can live for up to three weeks.

Tip 1
Before buying them, check their condition.  Make sure that their petals aren’t bruised and that the flowers aren’t wilting.  It’s also best to buy flowers that are not in full bloom.

Tip 2
Cut approximately 2.5cm/1” off the end of each stem with a sharp knife or scissors and make sure you cut at a slant.  This ensures a maximum surface area for the stem to take up water.  Plus, the angled cut prevents the end of the stem from standing flat on the bottom of the container and therefore blocking the water supply.

Tip 3
Split the ends of woody stems of flowers such as lilac, hydrangeas and guelder rose, as this will help them to take up more water.

Tip 4
Remove any foliage from the stem which will fall below the water line.  If you leave it on, it will rot and cause bacteria to grow, which will shorten the life of the flowers.

Tip 5
Place them in a clean container with clean tepid water.

Tip 6
Use flower food, if you are given it when you buy your flowers.  Make sure that you add the correct ratio of water to flower food.

Tip 7
Change the water often and re-cut the stems.

Tip 8
Keep the flowers away from fruit and vegetables, as they produce ethylene which shortens the vase life of the flowers.

Tip 9
Keep them in a cool room out of direct sunlight and away from radiators.

By following the tips above, you’ll maximise the time that your flowers look beautiful in your home.

I’m sure lots of you will already be familiar with some of the advice.  Do let me know though if you have any other tips too!

By the way, the images in today’s post of anemones above and ranunculus below are the flowers I bought at Columbia Road Flower Market the other Sunday.

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)