How to Make Fresh Cut Garden Flowers Last Longer

Flowers make a beautiful addition to any room and can lift our spirits and brighten our day. Here are some tips on how to make fresh flowers last even longer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flowers
• Vase with water
• Sharp scissors or small pruning shears
• White vinegar (2 tbsp)
• Sugar (1 tsp)
• Bleach (1/2 tsp)

1. If you cut flowers from your garden, do so in the early morning or evening. Cut the flower stem above the node (the section of the stem from where the leaves emerge). Have a vase or other container filled with water nearby so the flowers can be put into water immediately.

2. 
    
   Cut flower stem at an angle above the node

   Once you have your garden flowers or store-bought flowers inside, it is best to re-cut them under water so they can absorb water immediately rather than being exposed to air. Cut the stem above the node at an angle to maximize the area over which water can be absorbed.

3. Flowers last longer if they are fed: If flower food accompanied the store-bought flowers, dissolve it in some lukewarm water in a vase. You can prepare your own flower food by mixing 2 tablespoons of vinegar + 1 teaspoon of sugar + ½ teaspoon of bleach in 1 quart (about 1 liter) of lukewarm water.

4. 
    
   Remove leaves that sit below the water surface

   Place the flowers in the vase. Remove leaves that sit below the surface of the water to prevent them from rotting.

5. Place the flowers in a cool area out of direct air movement, i.e. do not place them under an air-conditioning duct or heating vent.

6. Change the water in the vase on a regular basis (about every 5 – 7 days).