How to make a cut flower bouquet last longer at home

Most flowers that die early at home die for one of three reasons: the water was not changed, the stems were not cut, or the bunch was placed somewhere that accelerated the process. None of these are difficult to fix. Here is what actually makes a difference.

The stem cut matters more than the vase water additive

The small packets of flower food that come with supermarket bouquets do help, but they help less than a clean stem cut. When you get a bouquet home, cut each stem at a 45-degree angle under running water before placing it in the vase. The angle increases the surface area for water uptake, and cutting under water prevents an air bubble from forming at the base of the stem, which would block the uptake entirely.

Use a sharp knife rather than scissors if you have one. Scissors crush the stem tissue slightly, which reduces water flow. A clean cut with a kitchen knife is better than a precise cut with blunt scissors.

Temperature and placement

Flowers last longer in cooler rooms. In a Fukuoka summer this is difficult to achieve, but in autumn and winter it is worth thinking about where you put the vase. A spot away from direct sunlight and away from heating vents will add two or three days to the life of most varieties.

Fruit bowls are a less obvious hazard. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which accelerates the ageing process in cut flowers. Keep your vase on the other side of the room from the fruit bowl and you will notice the difference.

Which flowers are naturally short-lived, and which are not

Sweet peas, anemones and poppies are beautiful and short-lived. Three to five days is realistic for these varieties even with good care. If you are buying for an event, factor this in and buy them the day before rather than three days ahead.

Chrysanthemums, lisianthus, and alstroemeria are at the other end of the scale. A lisianthus stem in clean water in a cool room can last two weeks. Alstroemeria is similarly. If you want a bunch that will still look good at the end of the week, these are the varieties to ask for.

The care card we include with every order covers the basics, but if you have a specific variety that is not lasting as long as you expected, call us. Sometimes there is a simple fix.