Society of American Florists 2911 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN
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The Facts!
flower care
plant care
flower types
meaning of flowers
meaning of roses
personality match
flowers for men
state flowers
ordering tips

plants
flower types
meaning of flowers
meaning or roses
flowers match personalities


How can I make my flowers last longer? A little extra care can make a big difference for any size flower arrangement or fresh flower bouquet. Most floral arrangements last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive. Certain varieties of cut flowers last longer than others. Carnations, for example, can remain vibrant for long periods. Roses have a shorter vase life, but are prized for their special and delicate beauty. When buying flowers, be sure to ask your florist how long you should expect your arrangement to last. Whatever variety you choose, a little TLC will go a long way to keep your blooms looking fresh longer.

Here are a few handy tips that can help add days to their beauty!
For floral arrangements:

  • If you receive flowers in a container with floral foam, be certain the container is full of water every day. The water should be treated with the floral food provided by your florist. Using your finger, feel under the greens for a place where water can be added. Or you can pour water slowly into the center of the arrangement, keeping a finger in the container to gauge the water level.
  • If you receive flowers in a vase, check to be sure the water is always clear. Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet. Remove leaves that will may below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth that can harm the flowers.

What is wrong with the water in a vase when it turns yellow and cloudy?
This is a natural sign that bacteria are growing in the water. Bacteria can clog stems and shorten the vase life of flowers, so keep the water clear at all times to ensure the longevity of your blooms. If your water starts to turn cloudy, immediately empty the vase and add fresh water, preferably mixed with the floral food provided by your florist. Re-cut the stems with a sharp knife under warm water before placing them in the vase of fresh water. If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution.

Food: The use of flower food is also key to extending the life of your fresh flowers. Flower food contains three key parts: a bleaching agent that kills bacteria that can cause decay, a sugar component to feed the blooms, and an acid to raise the pH of the water to a level beneficial for flowers. If you don't have any flower food, dropping an aspirin tablet in the water will also raise the pH.

Stems: If you have the time and a sharp knife, re-cutting the stems of the flowers will also add to the life of your arrangement. When pruning the stems make the cut approximately one to two inches above the original cut. It's very important to use a knife with a sharp edge because a dull knife might damage the stem and lead to shortened flower life. Make the cut on an angle and underwater in a sink or dish if possible. Cutting on an angle will make sure that water than enter the base of the stem. Cutting the stem underwater will decrease the chance of air pockets occurring in the flower stem. Air pockets can block the absorption of liquid and kill the flower. Removing any leaves on the stems that are below the waterline will also add to the life of your arrangement. When your flowers have woody stems and branches (such as Quince, Forsythia, or Lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears.

Since flowers like sunshine, should I put my arrangement in the sun when I get it?
No. Growing flowers require sunshine for maturation, but cut flowers will fade much faster if exposed to heat and direct sunlight. Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Close proximity to ripe fruit or cigarette smoke can also be detrimental to flowers as both create gases harmful to the blooms. Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.

Is it possible to revive a wilted rose? Sometimes, if a rose wilts prematurely, remove it from the arrangement and try the following easy tip to perk it up. Fill a sink with warm water. Lay the rose horizontally in the water bath and cut the stem (about 1") with a sharp knife under the warm water. Leave the rose in the bath for about two hours and let the water cool. This process can work wonders, but if the rose is already past its vase life it will not revive.
For loose bunches or boxed flowers:

  • Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.
  • Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist.
  • Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower.
    Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.
  • If you purchase loose flowers for your own arrangements you should also consider these tips:
    • When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
    • When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.