Tips for fresh-cut flowers: Trim at an angle, remove wilting ones, more tips for a longer bloom

There’s something special about having fresh-cut flowers in your home, especially during the festival season. But don’t you hate it when they start wilting? Whether it’s a bouquet from a special occasion or just something you picked up to treat yourself, you naturally want to enjoy those beautiful blooms for as long as possible. But we all know how quickly flowers can start to wilt if they’re not cared for properly.

With a few simple tricks — like trimming the stems just right or finding the perfect spot in your home to display them — you can keep your flowers looking fresh and vibrant for days, or even weeks. Here are some tips on getting the most out of your fresh flowers.

• Trim the stems at an angle

Cutting the stems of your flowers is essential for helping them absorb water more efficiently. Trim about 1-2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors. This increases the surface area for water intake, keeping your flowers hydrated longer.

• Remove lower leaves

Leaves submerged in water can promote bacterial growth, which shortens the life of your flowers. Before placing your flowers in a vase, remove any leaves that will be below the waterline. This prevents the water from becoming murky and bacteria-ridden.

• Use clean water and a clean vase

Bacteria in a dirty vase or stagnant water can cause flowers to wilt prematurely. Wash the vase with soap and warm water before arranging your flowers. Make sure to change the water every two days, or as needed, to keep it clean and fresh.

• Add flower food or a DIY solution

Flower food packets provide the necessary nutrients to extend the life of flowers. If you don’t have one, you can make your own. Mix 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and a few drops of bleach into the water. The sugar feeds the flowers, while the lemon juice lowers the pH, helping them absorb water better. The bleach helps control bacterial growth.

• Keep flowers away from heat and sunlight

Direct sunlight and heat can accelerate the wilting process by causing the flowers to dehydrate more quickly. Keep your flowers in a cool, shaded spot, away from direct sunlight, heat vents, and appliances that emit heat.

• Avoid placing near ripening fruit

Ripening fruits like bananas and apples release ethylene gas, which speeds up the aging process in flowers. Make sure your flowers are not placed near fruit to prevent them from wilting prematurely.

• Mist the flowers

Misting flowers can help them retain moisture and stay fresh. Lightly mist them daily with water, especially if they are in a dry room. This is particularly beneficial for delicate blooms like roses.

• Use cold water for specific flowers

Some flowers, such as tulips and daffodils, prefer cooler temperatures. For these types of flowers, use cold water in the vase and even add ice cubes to the water to keep them fresh.

• Remove wilting flowers

As flowers start to wilt, they release ethylene gas, which can affect the other flowers in the vase. Remove any flowers that begin to wilt to prevent them from affecting the others and prolong the life of the rest of your bouquet.

• Store flowers in a cool place overnight

Cooling your flowers overnight can help slow down the wilting process. If possible, place your flowers in a cool room or even in the refrigerator overnight to help them last longer.

Regular care, including trimming stems, changing water, and avoiding heat, will keep your bouquet looking vibrant and fresh for days, or even weeks.