Flower Care Tips

Most floral arrangements last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive. The Society of American Florists provides these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:

For loose bunches of flowers

• Keep your flowers in a cool place 
• Fill a clean, deep vase with water 
• 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 you've prepared

For floral arrangements

• Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water. 
• If the water becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with new water. 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 water.
• Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, or directly under ceiling fans. Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.

Selecting Flowers

• 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 to promote flower opening.