How to Make Your Fresh Flowers Last Longer

How to Make Your Fresh Flowers Last Longer

Got a flower bundle from your fave local florist, aka Bell's Flowers? Wondering what's next? 

Flowers can be a significant investment, and their lifespan often falls short of our expectations. To help your floral arrangements last as long as possible and maximize your value, review the tips below. Filling your space with beautiful, high-quality blooms is a great way to elevate any room, but choosing the right flowers is key. By investing in premium, long-lasting varieties, you can ensure you get the best return on your floral budget.

Change the Water

Regularly replacing the water in your flower arrangement is essential to keep the blooms fresh for longer. Refreshing the water every 2-3 days is the simplest way to extend their vase life. Be sure to top off the water as needed, as flowers - especially hydrangeas - can be quite thirsty.

Use Distilled Water

If you live in a rural area, be sure to use distilled water when changing or adding water to your floral vase. Flowers thrive in a clean environment and will last so much longer with the use of purified water. 

Flower Food

At Bell's Flowers, we nourish our blooms with flower food to keep them thriving from our coolers to your home. Consistent use of flower food is key to extending your flowers' lifespan, so be sure to add it each time you change the water. If you're out, you can always pick up more in our store!

Tip: if you're out of commercial flower food, you can easily make a homemade version by mixing 3 teaspoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of vinegar into 4 quarts of warm water in a vase. The sugar will nourish the flowers and promote blooming, while the vinegar helps prevent bacterial growth.

 Cut Stems

When changing the water for your flowers, be sure to trim the stems at a 45-degree angle. This angled cut helps the stems better absorb the fresh, clean water, allowing the flowers to fully hydrate and thrive.

Keep a Safe Environment

Protect your flowers by keeping them away from fruit, which releases an odorless, invisible gas called ethylene. While harmless to humans, this gas can be deadly to flowers. Additionally, avoid placing the flowers in direct sunlight, as this may cause the stems to droop prematurely. Finally, keep the flowers out of reach from any wandering animals that could potentially damage the blooms or harm your pets.

Choose Longer Lasting Stems

Tell us when you place your order that you'd like longer lasting flowers! Some of these include but aren't limited to: 

 Thistle

 Carnations

Gerbera Daisies 

 Alstroemeria 

Billy Balls 

Sedum

Babies Breath

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