While florists offer a wide variety of flowers year-round, there’s something special about picking a fresh bouquet from your own garden. However, keeping them fresh indoors can be challenging. Here are some tips to help your flowers last longer.
Pick Flowers at the Right Time
It’s best to cut flowers early in the morning. At this time, their stems are filled with water, which helps them stay fresh, says the Saxon Garden Academy in Germany. Make sure to select flowers that have fully bloomed and matured. If picked too early, they might wither quickly, or the buds may never open.
Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Any leaves left on the stem below the waterline can cause problems. According to the Just Chrysanthemum campaign, a Dutch initiative, submerged leaves can introduce bacteria into the water, causing the flowers to rot faster.
Trim the Stems Properly
Cut the stems at an angle using a clean knife. This allows the flowers to absorb more water. After cutting, place the flowers in water immediately to prevent air from entering the stems and blocking water absorption.
Care for Your Flowers Regularly
Change the water as soon as it starts to change color, which should be done after five days at most, according to chrysanthemum experts. Use lukewarm water that isn’t too chalky. Adding flower food, available from florists or supermarkets, is recommended. Avoid using sugar as a home remedy, as it speeds up the growth of bacteria and can cause the flowers to wilt faster.
Place the Bouquet in the Right Spot
Cut flowers will wither faster if exposed to direct sunlight, drafts, or high temperatures. Keep your bouquet away from fruit, as many fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up the aging process of flowers. Wilting flowers also release this gas, so remove any dying flowers from the arrangement to prevent the rest from wilting.