How to keep flowers fresh for longer – it’s a question I’m asked a lot by customers browsing in the shop.
If you’re after longevity it’s always best to ask a florist which flowers last the longest. We can then recommend flowers such as alstroemerias, chrysanthemums, carnations, lilies and orchids.
Generally, soft stemmed seasonal flowers like tulips for example don’t tend to be longer lasting – but boy it’s worth enjoying them for their short season! Nothing like a vase of sweet peas, garden roses and hydrangea in the summertime. But there are some tips you can use to help these little beauties last a little longer in a vase.
5 steps to keeping cut flowers fresh for longer
- Choose a clean, clear glass vase. The majority of flowers are happiest when daylight can get to the stems. Wash the vase thoroughly with tap water before use – this’ll ensure that no bacteria is present when the flowers are popped in.
- Always keep the water clean. We recommend water being changed every couple of days. Fresh cold water is best. There are many old wives tales about how to make your flowers last longer by adding special ingredients (we’ve heard them all ie using a penny, vodka, aspirin, lemonade) but we believe that simple fresh cold water works best. Always ensure that over half of the height of the stems are in water (a minimum of 4 inches). Flowers do drink up the water so keep topped up if