Fresh flowers bouquet? Follow these simple steps to keep them fresh for longer.

Prepare Your Flowers

Before trying these hacks, properly prep your flowers. Start by removing any leaves that will fall below the water line. Place a rubber band around your flowers to keep them at the same length for easier prep.

Cut the Stems

After you’ve removed any excess leaves, trim the stems. Use a kitchen knife or scissors and simply cut the stems to the desired length. This fresh cut allows the stems to “drink” the water and will keep them fresh longer. Next, choose one of the following hacks to add even more longevity to your bouquet.

Blooming Tales
Blooming Tales

White Vinegar + Sugar

Flowers need sugar for food, but sugar can encourage bacteria growth. You can use one teaspoon of sugar or one teaspoon of white vinegar to keep your blooms fresh, or you can combine them to get the best of both worlds and even longer-lasting blooms. My recommendation is one teaspoon of vinegar and one teaspoon of sugar dissolved in the water.

Change the Water Daily

Adding fresh water to your vase daily will keep blooms fresh. Empty the vase, rinse it if there’s any slimy residue, and fill with fresh water and your preferred method of flower freshener.

Refrigerate

Place your bouquet in the refrigerator overnight to keep flowers cool. This inhibits bacterial growth and replicates what florists do. Put fresh water in the vase before placing it in the refrigerator, and you’ll find that your blooms last a little longer.

Flower Food

The best way to keep flowers fresh longer is to dissolve a packet of flower food in the water. It works because it contains a bacteria inhibitor and a sugar to “feed” the flowers. Just empty the packet in the water, stir to dissolve, and place your flowers in your vase.