Receiving a bouquet is always a special moment. Whether it is for a birthday, a thank-you or simply to beautify the home, flowers instantly bring beauty and emotion. But one question often comes up : how do you make a bouquet of flowers last longer, so you can enjoy their beauty to the full?
The good news is that, with a few simple gestures inspired by florists' know-how, it is possible to keep cut flowers fresh for several days, sometimes even more than a week.
In this article, our florists share their top tips for bouquet care and cut flowers preservation.
💐 Discover the most beautiful cut flower bouquets
Why do cut flowers wilt?
To understand how to make a bouquet last, you first need to know why flowers wilt. Once cut, flowers are separated from their plant and must survive solely on the water absorbed by their stems.
Several factors can accelerate their deterioration :
- Bacterias in the water
- Poorly cleaned vase
- Inadequate stem cutting
- Heat or direct sunlight
- Dehydration
That is why it is essential to look after your bouquet as soon as it arrives home.
7 florist tips to make a bouquet last longer
1. Flowers instantly bring beauty and emotion. But one question often comes up : how can I make a bouquet of flowers last longer?
The first thing to do to make cut flowers last longer is to recut the stems.
When flowers are left for several hours without water (transport or delivery), the stems can close slightly. It is important to do this correctly, however, to avoid damaging the stems.
Important note : it is not necessary to recut the stems if the bouquet was in a water bag or water tubes.
How to recut stems correctly :
- Use a clean knife or pruning shears
- Cut 1 to 2 cm from the stem
- Cut at a 45° angle
- Immediately place flowers in water
This cut allows the flowers to absorb water more easily.
2. Use a perfectly clean vase
A dirty vase is one of the most common causes of rapidly wilting flowers.
Bacterias in the water prevent the stems from absorbing water properly. So, before setting up your bouquet :
- Wash the vase in hot water
- Add a little soap
- Rinse thoroughly
A clean vase goes a long way to prolonging the life of cut flowers.
3. Change the water regularly
To make a bouquet of flowers last longer, we recommend changing the water frequently, ideally every two (2) days. Take the opportunity to rinse the vase and lightly recut the stems as explained above. This routine slows down the proliferation of bacterias and keeps the flowers hydrated.
4. Remove leaves under water
Green leaves that soak in water quickly decompose and contaminate the water.
So, before placing the flowers in the vase, remove all leaves below the water level and keep only the clean stems in the vase. This simple gesture greatly improves the conservation of cut flowers.
5. Place your bouquet in a cool spot
Where you place your bouquet has a direct impact on its lifespan. To make your flowers last longer, avoid :
- Direct sunlight
- Radiators
- Hot electrical appliances
- Ripe fruit near the vase (it produces ethylene).
The best places for a bouquet
- A table away from a very sunny window
- A cool countertop
- A temperate room
6. Remove wilted flowers
As the days go by, some flowers may wilt before others. To keep your bouquet looking its best, remove any damaged flowers and rearrange the bouquet slightly if necessary. This will prolong the bouquet's beauty.
How long can a bouquet of flowers last?
The lifespan depends on the variety of flowers. On average, a bouquet can last from five (5) to fourteen (14) days.
Mistakes to avoid with a bouquet of flowers
Certain habits can shorten the life of flowers.
Here are the most common mistakes :
- Never recut stems
- Leaving leaves in water
- Placing the bouquet in direct sunlight
- Forgetting to change the water
- Using a dirty vase
Avoiding these mistakes goes a long way to preserving a bouquet of flowers for longer.
Professional florist tips
Here are a few « reminder » tips used by florists :
- Recut stems every 2-3 days
- Keep the bouquet in a cool place overnight
- Spray some flowers lightly with clean water
- Remove pollen from lilies to prolong their life
- Remove all wilted flowers
These gestures can make all the difference in making a bouquet last longer.
FAQ - How to preserved cut flowers
How can I make a bouquet last longer?
To make a bouquet last longer, recut the stems, use a clean vase, change the water every two days, remove the leaves under the water and place the bouquet in a cool place.
Do I need to change the water?
Yes, to keep cut flowers in good condition, we recommend changing the water every two (2) days to limit the growth of Bacterias.
Why should I cut the stems of my flowers?
Cutting the stems improves water absorption and helps flowers stay fresh longer.
How long can a bouquet last?
Most bouquets last between five (5) and ten (10) days, but some flowers can remain beautiful for up to two weeks with proper care.
Where should a bouquet of flowers be placed in the home?
Flowers should be placed in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, radiators and ripe fruits.
Enjoy fresh flower bouquets for longer
At À la Boîte à Fleurs - Fleuriste & Espace Gourmet, each bouquet is carefully created to offer freshness, elegance and longevity.
Our florists select quality flowers and share their best advice on how to care for your bouquet and enjoy it for as long as possible.
Also discover our collection of bouquets of flowers available online (on our transactional site) with flower delivery in Laval, Montreal, the South Shore and the North Shore.
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