The Secret to Longer Lasting Flowers

Have you ever been given a beautiful bouquet just to have it last only a few days?

Do you ever wonder why your flowers fade so quickly?

Aside from starting with farm-fresh locally grown flowers, (which never have to travel in packed conditions across the globe or be sprayed with harsh preservatives), the culprit for short-lived flowers may surprise you.

Want to know the secret?

The number one killer of fresh flowers is bacteria. Eliminate anything that will foster quick bacteria growth, and your flowers will last much longer.

Read on for five tips to make flowers last longer in the vase.

#1) Clean the stems

As soon as you bring your flowers home, remove them from any plastic wrap or packaging (if not already in a vase). Discard any stems that are broken, moldy, or appear to have blemishes in the stem.

If not already done, cut each stem with clean sharp scissors at a slight angle to improve water intake.

If you are arranging your flowers, estimate where the water line will be in your vase and carefully remove any leaves and foliage that will be underwater. This is usually about 2/3rd of the total foliage on each stem. (Flower farmers usually do this step for you, just sayin’!)

#2) It’s all about that vase

First, choose a vase shape that doesn’t overcrowd your stems. If you have a large arrangement with many stems, a vase with a wide neck will allow air to flow more freely between stems.

If too many stems are crammed into a small space, they will rub against each other creating bruising or small fractures that will enable bacteria growth.

Next, make sure your vase is obsessively clean.

Florists are picky about starting with the cleanest vase possible and you should be too.

Clean out your vase with very hot soapy water or rinse in a diluted bleach solution. The vase should be so clean you can drink out of it! #3) Be water wise

If possible, only put filtered or distilled water in your vase (especially if you have well water). For extra assurance, place one drop of liquid bleach into your water before adding flowers.

Check your water level daily and refill with fresh, clean water every 2-3 days. Set a reminder on your phone to make this habit even easier. Quick Tip: If you tend to neglect your vase water, select a clear vase. This will help you monitor the water without having to lift your flowers out of the vase.

Photo by Stephen Rheeder on Unsplash

#4) Don’t throw out that flower food packet!

You know that little packet of flower food your florist gives you? Use it!

Not only does it include a carbohydrate to nourish your blooms, but it also includes citric acid and a biocide that actively reduces the growth of bacteria in your water.

If you don’t have packaged flower food, it’s simple to make your own: Combine one teaspoon sugar, two teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of liquid bleach per quart of water.

Add a new dose of flower food each time you change your water. (Half a packet per dose for standard sized vases.)

#5) Choose the right location to display your blooms A great way to reduce bacteria growth is to keep the vase out of direct sunlight. This will also ensure your bloom colors do not fade as quickly. It’s also a good idea to keep your flowers in a cool place away from heaters and drafts. Sudden swings in temperature or moisture levels will send your stems into shock, making them more susceptible to bacteria growth.

Lastly, keep your blooms away from fruits and vegetables that give off ethylene gases, which cause the blooms to expand too big, too fast and expedite the decaying process.

Conclusion Did you find this information helpful? Now that you know what causes bacteria to grow more quickly, you can easily adopt these practices at home with your favorite flowers.

With a little practice and awareness, you’ll find your blooms lasting much longer than you ever expected!

About our farm Thank you for choosing to join our family on this grand adventure, as we grow something beautiful, meaningful, and good. If we haven't met yet, I am Sara Wilson, and my husband Teddy and I own Oklahoma Cut Flower Company in Norman, Oklahoma. We are a micro-farm that grows specialty cut flowers to educate and inspire our local flower-loving community. We offer flower subscriptions, educational workshops, and you-pick flower events. We are members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.

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