Peoples Flowers

Peoples Flowers

Posted by peoplesflowers on August 30, 2012 | Last Updated: October 19, 2020 Flowers

Peoples’ Tips for Cut Flowers that Last Longer

roses in vasse

Keep your flowers fresh with clean water.

When you receive flowers, you want this gorgeous gift to last for as long as possible. There are a few simple steps you can take to keep your flowers looking vibrant and fresh for days to come.

It Starts with the Source
Fresh flowers will last longer once they are in your home and office than flowers that have been sitting around for many days. That’s why Peoples Flowers has a commitment to providing only the freshest and healthiest blooms so you can enjoy your bouquet for a long time.

Follow the Care Instructions
Your flowers are usually delivered with a set of simple care instructions. If a packet of flower food is included, open it and pour it into the vase. Mix well with water before placing your flowers inside. The packet may have specific instructions for the ratio of water to the amount of flower food. You will want to take care not to over-dilute it.

Just what is flower food? It’s usually a combination of ingredients designed to extend the life your flowers and prevent bacteria from growing in the vase. It can provide nutrients that keep your bouquet healthy over time and acidifiers that keep the water clean. Think of it as fuel for your cut flowers!

Place the Vase
The location of an arrangement can have a big impact on its longevity. If you place it near a heater in the winter, it will be prone to drying out quickly. Find a temperate spot like the middle of the dining room table or atop a mantle when you’re not building fires. You might also want to avoid placing the vase in direct sunlight or in the path of a draft. When you take care in placing your flowers, you can enjoy their beauty without dehydrating them.

sunflowers in vase

For a long-lasting bouquet, get the freshest flowers possible.

Trim to Extend Time
Trimming an inch or two off the stems of the flowers can help the blooms pull in more water and last longer. This is especially true if the ends have gotten dried out. Use sharp scissors or a sharp knife to achieve a nice, clean cut without crushing the stems. Keep an eye out for broken or drooping stems and remove them so they don’t visually detract from the rest of the bouquet.

Change the Water
Start with a clean vase if you’re providing your own. Wash it out well with dish soap and rinse thoroughly before placing the flowers in. If the water gets murky or the water level is low, then it’s time to refresh the water supply in your vase. If you have a clear vase, this is easy to see. If you have an opaque vase, you’ll want to remind yourself to check it. A daily refresher can be a big boost to extending the life of your bouquet.

Talk to Peoples
Different flowers have different cut life spans. If you’re looking for a recommendation, then call Peoples or drop by any of our locations for expert advice on choosing long-lasting blooms. We’ll be happy to customize an arrangement to meet your tastes and your time-frame.