Fresh cut flowers are very beautiful in the house and are always sad when they fade. Part of what makes them beautiful is the fact that they are temporary, but there are some things you can do to last as long as possible. Read some tips on how to make your cut flowers last longer in a few simple steps.
The joy of cut flowers
When my son graduated from kindergarten, I brought him a bouquet of fresh flowers. After the graduation ceremony and the play the kids wore (where my son played the big bad wolf), I gave him a bouquet of flowers, gave him a big hug and kissed him, and told him how proud I was.
His appearance was a mix of surprise and love. His eyes widened, and his voice softened as he asked, “Did you give me these flowers because you love me?”
My eyes were torn apart, “I gave you these flowers because I’m proud of you, and your alumni felt like something we should celebrate. And what is a better way to mark an opportunity than using beautiful flowers?”
He didn’t let go of the flowers all night. After that we went out for dinner, but we recommend bringing the flowers home along the way so that they can be put in the water. He reluctantly gave up on them, so I was able to put them in the vase.
As soon as we arrived home, he ran to the flowers and brought them to his room. After moving Lego, books and Batman figurines to give him the best space, he found the perfect spot on the nightstand.
He asked, “They’re going to die, right?”
I said, “Yes, they will eventually die, and that will make us appreciate them even more.”
I appreciate the flowers for their beauty and purpose in the garden, but that’s what fresh cut flowers are so special outside the garden. It helps people feel loved. Below are some tips on how to make your cut flowers last longer to maintain that feeling as long as possible.
How to make cut flowers last longer
Do you want to make your own gorgeous arrangements? It’s very satisfying to put some of the beauty of your garden inside and admire it or give it to a friend. Whether it’s a vase sitting on a coffee table or a stem of one of the nightstands, the flowers bring so much joy. Check out this video for some simple tips on how to make your cut flowers as long as possible.
Harvest correctly
Most flowers are harvested best in the mornings where the temperature is still cool and the moisture content is highest. When harvested on a hot summer day, the flowers wilt quickly.
Choose flowers that are close to perfect splendor. This means they are just in full bloom. If it’s too early, you might run the risk that they won’t open, it’s too late and miss the show completely. It’s a shame that flowers never open completely!
Use a sharp knife or puller (do not choose!) and cut just above the leaf node. Cut the stems diagonally so that as many inner stem surfaces as possible come into contact with the water. Disinfect the knife with each cut to prevent disease spreading between the plants.
Bring a bucket or jar with you and add flowers as soon as you cut. In this way, they don’t have the opportunity to wither because you are still choosing.
Place fresh cut flowers
Bring the flowers inside and let them rest for a few hours before starting arrangements.
Remove any leaves that are in the water to decompose in the water and speed up decomposition.
For woody stem flowers, like hydrangeas, immediately soak the edges of the stems in boiling water before adding the flowers to the cold water. Woody stems should also be spliced 1/2-1 inch above the base of the stem.
Check out my best flower arrangement tips here.
Make flower preservatives
When buying bouquets of flowers from grocery stores or florists, they often have their own floral preservatives. But when you cut them yourself, what can you put in the water of the flowers?
If you want to make a simple flower preservative at home, add a little white sugar and vinegar to the water. Sugar helps to nourish the flowers while the vinegar is away from bacteria.
Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and vinegar for each quart of water.
Some say crushing one person’s aspirin into the water can also help maintain the flowers. It lowers the pH of the water and prevents the flowers from wilting. However, the science behind this is not backed up. I think the sugar and vinegar combo is your best home floral preservative.
How to water fresh cut flowers
Change water every day to prevent your flowers from sitting in contaminated water. If you notice that the water is completely cloudy, change the water immediately.
When you first cut your flowers, they will be very thirsty. They’re already drinking, so you may need to refill your water, so be careful with them for the next 24 hours!
If the flowers appear to have a bit of wilting, but you still notice that there is plenty of water, consider giving them a mist. Spraying water on cut flowers will recreate a humid environment. Additionally, some flowers can actually absorb water from petals like leaves and sun.
Every few days, your stems rebut again. I do this while I change the water.
Where to place fresh cut flowers?
Displays placement in a cool place from direct sunlight. The heat quickly wilts them and evaporates their water.
Another way to keep the flowers fresh is to put them in the fridge. Florists always put flowers in the fridge to last longer, so why not try doing that at home?
Pop the arrangement in the fridge at night before you go to bed. Cold temperatures help slow aging. Ideally, the flowers should be in the fridge for about 8 hours at a time.
Note: Flowers should never be frozen, so avoid this if your fridge is a bit temperamental and you have frozen items. The ideal temperature for cold storage is 34°F to 38°F (1°C to 3°C). Tropical flowers are warmer.
Cut the typical flower
Florists have special coolers that help your flowers last longer. Ideally, flowers should be stored at 34°F and 38°F (1°C to 3°C). This is great if you harvest flowers early to save for later events. As they get warmer, they start to open up more.
Another thing that flower shops do is add cut flower food to the water. You can make your own by adding two tablespoons of sugar and vinegar per quart.
yes! Vinegar helps kill and prevent harmful bacteria from growing, maintaining a healthy pH. You can use regular 5-10% white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
With these tips, you will need a house full of flowers for a long time. Remember, some flowers last longer than others when you cut them. By following these tips, you should enjoy at least a week of cut flowers.
Keep in mind that a beautiful vase of freshly blooming flowers comes from growing the right kind of flower! This is the perfect flower to grow in your cutting garden.
Other tips for cut flowers
With a city girl who learned to garden, it changed everything. Author, artist, master gardener. A better life through plants.
