Caring for fresh flowers can help them last longer and maintain their beauty. Here are some simple steps to follow:

Hand Ties

1. Choose the Right Vase

Use a clean vase to prevent bacterial growth. Glass or ceramic works well.

2. Prepare the Flowers

Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline to prevent rot.

Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle using shears to allow for better water absorption.

3. Use Fresh Water

Fill the vase with lukewarm water. This helps dissolve nutrients and promotes hydration.

4. Add Flower Food

Mix it into the water according to package instructions (don’t use too much). This provides nutrients and helps inhibit bacterial growth.

5. Place in a Suitable Location

Keep the arrangement in a cool area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. A stable temperature helps the flowers last longer.  Keep flowers away from fruits and vegetables, as they emit ethylene gas, which can shorten flower life.

6. Change the Water Regularly

Change the water every day or every second day. Rinse the vase each time to remove any bacteria and refill with fresh water and flower food if you have it. Note: in the absence of flower food, add a capful of bleach to the water to stave off bacteria.

7. Trim Stems Periodically

Re-trim the stems everyday or every second day to maintain optimal water absorption.

8. Remove Wilting Flowers

As flowers wilt, remove them to keep the arrangement looking fresh and to reduce bacteria in the water.

9. Humidity Consideration

If the air is dry, consider misting the flowers lightly with water to increase humidity, especially for more delicate blooms.

10. Enjoy!

Take time to appreciate your beautiful arrangement!

Vase Arrangements / Foam Arrangements

1. Place in a Suitable Location

Keep the arrangement in a cool area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. A stable temperature helps the flowers last longer. Keep flowers away from fruits and vegetables, as they emit ethylene gas, which can shorten flower life.

2. Change the Water Regularly

Change the water every day or every second day. Rinse the vase each time to remove any bacteria and refill with fresh water and flower food.  If arrangement is in foam, add water to the foam each day.

3. Trim Stems Periodically

Re-trim the stems everyday or every second day to maintain optimal water absorption.

4. Remove Wilting Flowers

As flowers wilt, remove them to keep the arrangement looking fresh and to reduce bacteria in the water.

5. Humidity Consideration

If the air is dry, consider misting the flowers lightly with water to increase humidity, especially for more delicate blooms.

6. Enjoy!

Take time to appreciate your beautiful arrangement!

Following these steps should help keep your fresh flowers looking vibrant for as long as possible!

Specific Flower Care

Caring for different types of fresh cut flowers requires a tailored approach, as different flowers require different care. Here’s a guide for some common types:

Hydrangeas

1. Prepare the Stems: Use sharp scissors or shears to trim the stems at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption. Place stem in very warm (almost hot) water.
2. If bloom looks like it is going to wilt or has wilted slightly, place stem in very warm (almost hot) water. This may ‘shock’ the flowers into drinking and can lead to longer life of cut hydrangea blooms. Another trick to keeping them lasting longer is to insert them, bloom side down into bucket of lukewarm water and let them drink from the petals for 45 min to an hour. Shake them off a little and place stems in fresh lukewarm water, letting them dry.

**Consider Drying Hydrangea (Optional)**

If you want to preserve hydrangeas long-term, consider drying them. To do this, remove excess leaves and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place for several weeks.

Roses

Trim stems at a 45-degree angle and remove leaves below the waterline.

Use lukewarm water mixed with flower food or add capful of bleach to water.

Keep in a cool area, away from direct sunlight.

Change water everyday, re-trim stems everyday, and remove any wilted blooms.

Tulips

Trim stems and remove any leaves below the waterline.

Use cool water. Tulips thrive in cooler temperatures.

Place them in indirect sunlight. They can continue to grow after being cut, so consider arranging them loosely.

Change water everyday and re-trim stems if they start to bend.

Lillies

Trim stems and remove any leaves that will be submerged.

Use lukewarm water with flower food.

Keep in a well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch petals.

Change water every second day and remove pollen from open blooms to prevent staining.

Sunflowers

Cut stems at an angle and remove lower leaves.

Use room temperature water, as sunflowers can absorb it better.

Place in direct sunlight for best results.

Change water every second day and re-trim stems.

Carnations

Trim stems at an angle and remove lower leaves.

Use room temperature water with flower food.

Keep in a cool area away from direct sunlight.

Change water every 2-3 days and re-trim stems. Carnations are hardy and can last a long time with proper care.

Daisies and Chrysanthemum

Trim stems at an angle and remove lower leaves.

Use cool water. Change water everyday and re-trim stems every second day.

Keep in bright, indirect light.

Gerbera Daisies

Trim stems at an angle.

Use warm water. Change water everyday and re-trim stems everyday.

Gerbera daisies have heavy heads and hollow stems, which can bend. To support them use a tall vase to help keep them upright. You can also place floral wire inside each stem for additional support if they begin to droop.

Keep in indirect light. Direct heat or sun will cause them to wilt faster.

Gladiolus

Trim stems at a 45 degree angle.

Use warm water. Change water everyday and re-trim stems everyday.

Gladiolus blooms open from the bottom up, so if you want all the blooms to open, place the vase in a slightly warmer room. For slower blooming, keep the vase in a cooler location. Keep in indirect light. Direct heat or sun will cause them to wilt faster.

Delphinium

Trim stems at a 45 degree angle.

Use warm water. Change water everyday and re-trim stems everyday.

Keep in indirect light. Direct heat or sun will cause them to wilt faster.

Snapdragons

Trim stems at a 45 degree angle.

Remove any greenery below surface of water.

Use warm water. Change water everyday and re-trim stems everyday.

Keep in indirect light. Direct heat or sun will cause them to wilt faster.

Snapdragons can be sensitive to bacteria in the water. If you notice any wilting, remove those flowers to help keep the others fresh.