How to Keep Fresh Flowers Longer

Flowers from Coastal Flower Company are cut fresh-to-order from our flower farm on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, and delivered to you at the peak of freshness for a long-lasting vase life, but you can help keep your fresh flowers even longer by following a few expert tips.

6 Expert Tips to Make Fresh Flowers Last longer

For the longest vase life, give your fresh flowers a fresh cut before putting them in clean water with the floral packet provided, and keep them out of direct sunlight.

Give the Stems a Fresh Cut

Always cut the stems at a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife before putting them in a vase to help the flowers absorb water. We don’t recommend using scissors, as they can crush the stem. The diagonal cut creates more surface area for maximum absorption, and for a little extra protection you can cut the stems under water to prevent bubbles from forming in the stem’s vascular tissue and hindering its ability to drink.

Use a Clean Vase & Fresh Water

Thoroughly cleaning your vase and using fresh water will prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can clog the flower stems, preventing water absorption and causing them to wilt faster. Dirty vase water can also produce ethylene, which causes early flower death. For best results, use cold or room temperature water, which is more readily absorbed. Cold water also slows down the metabolism of the flowers and reduces the risk of bacterial growth in the vase.

Add Flower Food

Fresh flowers from our farm on Virginia’s Eastern Shore come up with a flower food packet, which should be added to the water in the vase before submerging the stems. Flower food packets contain a mixture of ingredients that help fresh-cut flowers stay fresh and last longer. Since flowers are not able to photosynthesize once they are cut, these packets typically contain sugar to feed the flowers, citric acid to lower the pH levels in the water, and an antibacterial to prevent bacteria growth. 

Change Water Regularly

Replace the water in the vase every three days, especially if it becomes cloudy. If it’s hot, you may want to change the water more frequently. Changing the water not only removes any bacteria that has built up in the vase, but it replenishes the nutrients in the water. You’ll also want to add flower food each time you change the water. If you don’t have a flower food packet, you can add a teaspoon of baking soda, two teaspoons of sugar, or a crushed aspirin.

Remove Dead Blooms

When placing your flowers in the vase, make sure to remove any foliage or leaves that would fall below the waterline and cause rotting. You’ll also want to regularly remove any wilted or dying flowers from the arrangement to prevent them from contaminating the water. This process, known as “deadheading”, not only helps with the arrangement’s aesthetic, it also encourages the plant to focus its remaining energy on the healthy blooms.

Keep Out of Direct Sunlight

You’ll want to keep your fresh flowers in a cool, shaded environment, away from direct sunlight, heat vents or drafts. While flowers need sunlight to grow, they no longer photosynthesize once cut, so the heat from the sun can quickly dry them out, causing the petals to wilt and fade, significantly reducing their lifespan. Air conditioners can also dry your flowers, so make sure to place your vase away from the air vents.

Fresh Flower Delivery on Virginia’s Eastern Shore

With a few extra steps, you can ensure your fresh flowers last a long time. Shop our fresh flower bouquets for delivery or pick up on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, or give the gift of a flower subscription to yourself or someone special. We also offer Porch Petal Buckets for do-it-yourself floral designers, and specialize in wedding flowers and prom flowers. Contact Coastal Flower Company to learn more.