How To Make Flowers In A Vase Last Longer

A beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers doesn’t just brighten your space—it uplifts your mood and enhances the ambience. Now that you have brought these beauties to your space, you might want to enjoy their freshness and charm for as long as possible.

In this guide, our experts will share how to make flowers last longer in a vase. Whether you’ve selected our exquisite Winchester Cathedral roses or seasonal favourites, these flower care tips will keep your arrangements fresh for days on end.

Looking for beautiful blooms to enhance your space? NB Flowers provides you with the freshest, most vibrant flowers. Call us on 020 3202 0005 or email us at info@nbflowers.co.uk to get a customised bouquet of luxury flowers.

Flower Care Tips To Make Them Last Longer In A Vase

Following these flower care tips is essential to ensure your blooms stay fresh and beautiful. Here are our expert tips on how to make cut flowers last longer in a vase:

Tip 1. Clean The Vase Thoroughly

Before adding any flowers to your vase, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. Bacteria can easily build up inside the vase, quickly shortening your flowers’ life. Use warm water and mild soap to wash the vase and rinse thoroughly before adding fresh flowers and water.

Tip 2. Trim The Stems At An Angle

One of the most important steps in flower care is trimming the stems. When you first receive your flowers or whenever you notice them starting to wilt, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle. This helps increase the surface area for water absorption, allowing the flowers to stay hydrated and fresh longer. Repeat this every few days to ensure the flowers drink water effectively.

Tip 3. Use Fresh, Clean Water

Always use clean, fresh water when placing your flowers in a vase. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent the buildup of bacteria that can cause your flowers to wilt prematurely. Fill the vase with cool water, which can speed up wilting. Water in the vase is crucial in keeping flowers hydrated and vibrant.

Tip 4. Add Flower Food

If your flowers come with a small packet of flower food, be sure to use it! Flower food provides the essential nutrients your flowers need to stay fresh. If you don’t have any, you can mix two tablespoons of sugar, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of bleach into a quart of water. This helps nourish the flowers while inhibiting bacteria growth, which prolongs the life of your flowers.

Tip 5. Remove Leaves Below The Waterline

Any leaves submerged in the water can quickly rot and contaminate the water, shortening the lifespan of your flowers. Carefully remove leaves below the waterline to ensure the water stays clean and your flowers remain healthy.

Tip 6. Keep Flowers Away From Direct Heat

Flowers thrive in cool environments, so keep your vase away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or appliances that give off heat. Flowers that last longer need stable, cool conditions, so avoid placing them near windows, radiators, or areas with high traffic.

Tip 7. Avoid Keeping Flower Vase Near Ripening Fruit

Avoid placing your flowers near ripening fruit, as it produces ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to age prematurely. Keeping fruit and flowers separate ensures that your blooms remain vibrant for longer.

Tip 8. Store Flowers In The Refrigerator Overnight

For an extra boost to extend the life of your flowers, try placing them in the refrigerator overnight. This cool environment slows ageing, allowing your flowers to stay fresh. This is especially effective for long-lasting flowers like roses, which thrive in cooler temperatures.

Tip 9. Remove Dead Flowers, Too

Remove any dead flowers or petals from the arrangement as your bouquet begins to fade. This prevents the rest of the flowers from being affected and helps maintain a clean and fresh appearance.

Tip 10. Spray Some Hairspray

This might sound unusual, but spraying a light mist of hairspray on the petals’ underside can help preserve the flowers. Hairspray helps lock in moisture, keeping your flowers fresh longer. Just spray lightly, keeping the can at least a foot away from the flowers.

Tip 11. Use Floral Tape Or A Flower Frog

If you want your flowers to stay in place and look neat in the vase, consider using floral tape or a flower frog. This keeps the stems from shifting and ensures that your flowers are arranged neatly. A well-arranged bouquet also helps evenly distribute water to the flowers, which can help them stay fresh for a longer time.

Conclusion

Making your flowers last longer in a vase doesn’t have to be complicated.

By following these flower care tips—trimming the stems, changing the water, using flower food, and ensuring the right storage conditions—you can keep your flowers fresh for a long time.

At NB Flowers, we understand the importance of quality and care regarding flowers. Our bespoke floral arrangements are designed to delight you with their beauty and fragrance, whether you need them to decorate your space or as a beautiful present for your loved ones. Call us on 020 3202 0005 or email us at info@nbflowers.co.uk for expert advice.

FAQs

1. How do you keep flowers alive longer in a vase?

Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, use clean water, change the water regularly, and remove leaves below the waterline. Flower food also helps extend their life.

2. Should I put salt in my flower water?

No, salt should never be added to your flower water. It can dehydrate the flowers and shorten their life.

3. What is the best thing to put in water to keep flowers fresh?

Flower food is best to put in water, as it nourishes the flowers and prevents bacteria. If you don’t have flower food, a mixture of sugar, lemon juice, and bleach can help.