Here are some simple tips to help lengthen the life of your cut flower stems and keep them fresher, longer.

Make sure to thoroughly clean vases and containers that you are going to use, as bacteria kills flowers.

When filling the vase, make sure to use lukewarm water. This creates less oxygen and air bubbles in the stems, allowing them to drink more. Always use flower food/preservative! The food gives flowers things they need to last longer such as carbohydrates; to help their metabolism, biocides; which help fight bacteria, and acidifiers; which helps increase water intake.

Before placing the stems in the vase, cut about an inch off of the bottom at an angle. This allows the flowers more surface area to take in more water. Make sure to use a sharp tool!

If you are cutting the stems from a bush outside, make sure to do it in the morning. Not only are flowers cooler in the morning, but it’s when the plants are storing the most food.
Also, check for maturity of the flowers. Certain types need to be cut as buds, where others should be cut as open blooms.
Some Examples Are:
Buds – Rose, Daffodil, Iris, Gladiola, Tulip
Open – Marigold, Dahlia, Sunflower, Gerbera Daisy

Once your flowers are placed in their container — (be careful not to overcrowd)! — avoid extreme temperatures, cool drafts, and direct sunlight (unless otherwise specified). Also, keep your flowers away from fruit, garbage, and cigarette smoke; as these items give off ethylene gas that flowers are sensitive to.

Make sure to remove any wilting, faded, or dying flowers and give your blooms fresh food and water every couple of days!