How to make your bouquet last longer

There are few things that beat the feeling of receiving – or treating yourself to – a beautiful bouquet . Flowers brighten up a room and spread joy in an instant. But how do you prolong that floral bliss? Here, as a florist, I share with you my best tips for keeping flowers fresh longer.

1. Start with a clean vase

Bacteria are the worst enemy of flowers. Wash the vase thoroughly with hot water and a little washing-up liquid before putting the bouquet in. A clean vase gives the flowers the best conditions.

2. Cut the stems regularly

Cut 1–2 cm off the stems at an angle. This will help the flowers absorb more water. Repeat every two or three days - just like we florists do when we re-cut the stems several times a week. A new cut surface can give the flowers a whole new lease of life.

3. Fresh and cool water

Fill the vase with cold, clean water and change it completely every two to three days. Simply refilling is not enough – fresh water keeps the bouquet fresher longer. At our place, we change the water several times a week and see the difference it makes.

4. Remove leaves below the water surface

Leaves that end up in the water will rot quickly and shorten the life of the bouquet, so remove any greenery that ends up below the water line.

5. Place the bouquet correctly

Flowers thrive in a bright room but not in direct sunlight. Also avoid radiators, stoves and drafts. And here's an important florist tip: never place flowers next to a fruit bowl. Ripe fruit gives off ethylene gas, which makes flowers wilt much faster.

6. Feed them (or make your own flower food)

Always follow the instructions if your bouquet comes with nutrition. If you don't have any, you can make your own mixture with a pinch of sugar (energy) and a small splash of lemon juice or vinegar (keeps bacteria away).

7. A Little Love on the Road

Give the bouquet a little care at regular intervals: trim the stems, change the water, and remove flowers that start to droop. This will give the rest of the bouquet a chance to bloom longer.

Make your cut flowers last longer

• Roses : Remove the outermost “protective leaves” for a fresher look.
• Tulips : Put a crown in the vase – it helps them stand straight.
  
• Hydrangeas : If they wilt, you can dip the entire flower head in water for a few minutes.
  
• Clematis : A favorite in the store - here you see a vase with freshly cut stems. Recutting and giving fresh water several times a week does wonders for the longevity.
  
  

Let joy bloom longer

With a little care, a bouquet can stay beautiful for more than a week and spread joy in your home day after day. Flowers are a living gift – and with the right care, you can enjoy them for even longer.

Do you want a bouquet that is both durable and beautiful? Welcome to The Mayflower at Hornsgatan 60, Södermalm – your florist with a passion for flowers that last.