Care of Flowers

When you receive a bouquet of fresh flowers from a florist you would like them to last as long as possible. Below are some handy hints on how to lengthen the life of the flowers.

Once you have got your flowers home from the florist, remove all of the wrapping and prepare the flowers. Always re-cut the stems at an angle while submerged in water. This will prevent air locks in the stems, give the flower a wide exposed area to draw water through and also prevent the stalk sitting flat on the bottom of the vase.

Always use a clean vase or container as this will help prevent any bacteria building up that will age the flowers.

Fill the vase with luke warm water rather than cold as it contains less oxygen and will prevent bubbles blocking the stems.

Always use a plant food that is supplied by most florists or garden centres. This will most importantly feed the flowers, but will reduce bacteria build up, encourage buds to open and delay the aging process.

Remove any leaves from the stalks that will be submerged in the water as they will start to decompose.

Place your arrangement of flowers away from direct sunlight and draughts, but in a cool room which will maximise the life of the flowers.

Top up the water regularly but do not change the water unless you have more flower food to add to the new water.

Remove dying flowers from the arrangement as they give off a toxin that is harmful to the other flowers.

Any further information about keeping specific flowers to increase their life can be obtained directly from your local florist as they have a wealth of experience in caring for flowers.