Flower Care Tips: How to Keep Flowers Fresh for Longer

Five simple steps to help your flowers last longer

We all want our flower arrangements to stay fresh so we can enjoy them for as long as possible. Here are a few key steps for your flower care tips that’ll teach you how to keep your flowers fresh for longer:

Start with a clean vase

Find a nice vase that will work well with your blooms and make sure it’s clean. Fill your vase with fresh water. Tepid water is the best temperature to keep your flowers in and it will ensure your flower food dissolves effectively. Add your flower food sachet provided with your arrangement to the water. As well as feeding the flowers, our flower food also helps to keep the water clean as it contains an antibacterial treatment.

Remove leaves below the waterline

Remove any leaves and foliage that will sit below the waterline when you place your blooms into the vase. This is to prevent a buildup of bacteria which we want to avoid at all costs as it will make your flowers go over much quicker.

Trim your stems

For best results to keep your flowers fresh for longer, re-cut all of your stems. Cut your stems at a 45-degree angle to increase their surface area, which will allow your flowers to drink more. If you visualise it like a straw, more water can be drawn at a slant rather than at a flat angle to the bottom. When cutting your flower stems, we recommend varying the stem length to give your arrangement a height range.

Refresh the water regularly

Change your flower water regularly and re-cut the stems every 2-4 days, removing any wilted flowers as you go. Aside from the fact that wilted flowers don’t look as pretty, they can also spread mould to the other blooms making them wither quicker.

Choose the right spot for your flowers

Where you keep your flowers is important. Flowers keep much longer in a cool environment, so placing them near a fireplace (if you light your fire) or on a windowsill near a radiator isn’t the best place to keep your flowers fresh for a long time. If you can keep your arrangement out of direct sunlight, away from radiators and fruit and vegetables, your flowers will last much longer.

You can always refer back to these flower care tips when you buy a fresh bouquet from Rosabel Blooms!

Your Flower Care Questions Answered

How can I make my bouquet last longer?

A little daily attention goes a long way! Start with a clean vase, trim the stems and add flower food following the packet instructions. Keep leaves out of the water and display your bouquet somewhere cool, away from direct sunlight and radiators.

How often should I change the water in my flower vase?

Refresh the water every two to four days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy. Give the vase a clean and trim a little from the stems before putting your flowers back. Check the water level daily and top up when needed—some blooms are surprisingly thirsty!

Should I cut the stems before putting my bouquet in a vase?

Yes, even if your bouquet has already been prepared by your florist. Use clean, sharp scissors or secateurs to trim a little from each stem at an angle, then place the flowers straight into water. A fresh cut helps them take up water more easily.

Do I need to remove the wrapping from my bouquet?

Remove the lower packaging before placing your flowers in a vase. If your bouquet arrives in a water bag, carefully empty it over the sink. For a hand-tied bouquet, leave the tie around the stems in place to preserve its shape.

Where is the best place to keep fresh flowers?

Choose a cool spot away from direct sunlight, radiators, fireplaces and draughts. Keep your bouquet away from ripening fruit, too, as it can encourage flowers to age more quickly.

What should I do when the flower food runs out?

Commercial cut-flower food is the best option; always follow the dosage on the packet. If you haven’t got any left, keep your vase clean, refresh the water regularly and re-trim the stems. Avoid adding household products to the water.

Can I revive flowers that have started to droop?

Sometimes drooping flowers simply need a drink. Check the water level, clean the vase and re-cut the stems before placing them in fresh water in a cool spot. They may perk up, although flowers reaching the end of their natural vase life won’t always recover.

Should I remove fading flowers from my bouquet?

Yes—gently remove any dead or dying blooms and leaves. As your bouquet changes, you can move the remaining flowers into a smaller vase to keep enjoying a lovely display.

Can I make my own flower food at home?

Homemade flower food recipes are available, but we recommend using a commercial cut-flower food, as homemade mixtures are unlikely to be as effective. Follow the instructions on the sachet provided with your bouquet. If you run out, focus on keeping the vase clean, refreshing the water regularly and trimming the stems.