Whether you’re a florist or a flower enthusiast, knowing how to care for fresh blooms is essential to keeping them vibrant, fragrant, and long-lasting. Below are simple, tried-and-true tips for getting the most out of your flowers—because every stem deserves to shine!

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Start with a Clean Slate

Before you even unwrap your flowers, clean your vase thoroughly with soap and hot water. Leftover bacteria from a previous bouquet can shorten the life of fresh blooms dramatically.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of bleach (about 1 teaspoon per quart of water) to kill any lingering germs.

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Trim the Stems Right

Always cut stems at an angle—preferably under running water or submerged in water. This prevents air from entering the stems and allows for better water absorption.

• Use sharp floral shears or a clean knife—never scissors that can crush the stems.
• Remove any leaves that will sit below the water line to prevent rot and bacteria.

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Hydration Is Everything

Fill your vase with lukewarm water and mix in flower food if provided. If you’re out of flower food, a DIY mix of sugar, lemon juice, and a drop of bleach can help.

Refresh the water every 2–3 days and re-trim stems for maximum longevity.

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Placement Matters

Keep your flowers in a cool spot—away from direct sunlight, heat vents, or fruit bowls (yes, really—ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which causes flowers to wilt faster).

Ideal conditions:

• Cool room temperature
• Indirect natural light
• Away from drafts and appliances

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Extra Touches for Florists

If you’re prepping flowers for events:

• Store them in a floral cooler at 34–36°F.
• Use hydration solutions for thirsty stems like hydrangeas.
• Mist delicate blooms lightly for added moisture.

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Final Thoughts

With just a little extra care, your flowers can last longer, look better, and make a stronger impact—whether they’re gracing a wedding bouquet or your kitchen counter.

Happy designing!
– The Florist Toolbox