How to Make Your Fresh-Cut Flowers Last Longer | Petals & Posies by Jess

Simple Tips from Jess for Maximizing the Life of Your Blooms

There’s nothing like the joy of receiving fresh flowers - the scent, the colours, and the beauty. But once they arrive in your home, the question becomes: how do you keep them looking fresh for as long as possible?

Whether you’ve picked up a hand-tied bouquet from Petals & Posies by Jess here in Kingston, NS, or had a floral delivery at your doorstep, here are our some expert tips for extending the life of your blooms - so they stay beautiful for days to come.

1. Start with a Clean Vase

   Bacteria is the fastest way to shorten the life of your flowers. Use a clean vase and wash it thoroughly with hot, soapy water before filling it with fresh water.

2. Trim the Stems
   Cut each stem at a 45-degree angle before placing them in water. This increases surface area and helps the flowers absorb more water. Trim 1/2 to 1 inch off the bottom with sharp, clean shears - and re-trim if you can every 2-3 days.

3. Change the Water Often

   Fresh water is key. Change the vase water every 2-3 days if you can, or as soon as it becomes cloudy. When you do, give the stems another quick trim and rinse the vase.

4. If Your Arrangement is in Foam, Wire, or a Floral Frog - Often Used in Pre-arranged Floral Designs
   Foam
   - Top up the water daily - slowly and gently pour small amounts of water near the base of the flowers
   - Use cool, clean water
   - Keep it out of direct heat
   Floral Frog/Wire
   - Check the water line often
   - Refill gently - maintaining the right water level is key to ensuring those stems stay consistently hydrated.

5. Keep Flowers Away from Fruit

   Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to wilt faster. Keep your bouquet away from fruit bowls, heaters, or direct sunlight, and drafty windows for maximum longevity.

6. Use Flower Food
   If your bouquet comes with a flower food sachet - use it! It contains a mix of sugar, bleach, and citric acid to help with energy, reduction of bacteria, and pH balance.

7. Cooler Temps = Longer Life
   Flowers prefer cooler temperatures. If possible, move your bouquet to a cooler spot overnight, or away from warm applicances and afternoon sun. You’ll be surprised how much longer they last.

8. Final Thoughts
   At Petals & Posies by Jess, we design with intention - and we want you to enjoy each bloom for as long as possible. A little care goes a long way in extending the life of your florals. Follow these simple steps and you’ll keep that fresh-from the-studio feeling all week long.