There's nothing better than receiving a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers, and with a little care, you can enjoy them for even longer.
While every flower variety is different, a few simple steps can make a big difference to the life of your arrangement.
Start With a Clean Vase
Before arranging your flowers, wash your vase thoroughly with warm soapy water. Bacteria is one of the biggest reasons flowers fade quickly, so starting with a clean container helps keep the water fresh.
Trim the Stems
Cut around 1-2 centimetres off the bottom of each stem at an angle before placing them in water. This helps the flowers absorb water more effectively.
If your bouquet has been sitting out of water for a while, giving the stems another trim after a couple of days can help refresh them.
Change the Water Regularly
Fresh water is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your flowers. Replace the water every couple of days and remove any leaves that may be sitting below the waterline.
Most bouquets also come with a flower food sachet. Adding this to the water provides nutrients while helping to reduce bacteria growth.
Keep Flowers Away From Heat
Try to avoid placing your arrangement in direct sunlight or near heaters and fireplaces. Warm temperatures can cause flowers to open and fade more quickly.
Likewise, keeping them away from ripening fruit is a good idea, as fruit releases ethylene gas which can shorten the life of some flowers.
With just a few minutes of care every couple of days, your bouquet can continue to brighten your home and be enjoyed for as long as possible.