Fresh flowers bring beauty, fragrance, and joy into any space—but without proper care, their beauty fades quickly. At Tooka Florist, we want you to enjoy your blooms for as long as possible. That’s why we’ve created this helpful guide on how to preserve flowers and extend the life of your bouquet.
Whether it’s a romantic gesture, a celebration bouquet, or just-because blooms, a few simple flower care techniques can make all the difference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Keeping Cut Flowers Fresh
- Trim the Stems
Use clean, sharp scissors to trim about 1–2 inches from the stems at a 45° angle. This allows better water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat against the vase bottom, which can block water intake.
- Use Clean Water and Flower Food
Change the water every two days and add the flower food packet that often comes with your bouquet. If you don’t have any, you can make your own by mixing a teaspoon of sugar, a few drops of bleach, and a splash of lemon juice into the water. This mix nourishes the flowers and prevents bacteria buildup.
- Remove Foliage Below Water Line
Leaves that sit in water can rot and promote bacterial growth. Strip any foliage that falls below the water line before placing your flowers in the vase.
- Keep Them Cool and Out of Direct Sunlight
Place your flowers in a cool spot away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or fruit (which releases ethylene gas that speeds up wilting). Cooler temperatures help in keeping flowers fresh longer.
Long-Term Flower Preservation Methods
Sometimes, you want to hold onto flowers for more than just a few days. Here are a few creative ways to preserve cut flowers as long-term keepsakes:
- Air Drying
Bundle flowers together and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place for 2–3 weeks. This works well with roses, lavender, and baby’s breath.
- Pressing
Flatten blooms between the pages of a heavy book or use a flower press. Great for daisies, pansies, and other delicate flowers—perfect for crafts or framing.
- Silica Gel
Bury flowers in silica gel to preserve their shape and color. This method is ideal for fuller flowers like peonies, carnations, and tulips.
Flower-Specific Care Tips
- Roses: Re-trim stems every 2 days and remove outer petals if they begin to brown.
- Tulips: Keep them in a tall vase for support—they continue to grow even after cutting!
- Hydrangeas: Mist the petals daily to keep them hydrated and fresh.
- Sunflowers: Use lukewarm water and support heavy heads with a sturdy vase.
Final Thought:
Knowing how to preserve flowers ensures your bouquet stays fresh, fragrant, and vibrant for days—or even weeks. Whether you’re displaying a gift or saving a special memory, these flower care tips will help you make the most of your blooms.
Looking for long-lasting beauty? Visit Tooka Florist in-store or online to find high-quality, fresh flowers and expert advice on how to make them last.