How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh

To keep your new arrangement looking fresh and to ensure it lasts as long as possible, follow these top tips:

• Buy your flowers from a reputable outlet
• Choose blooms with firm petals or with buds which are showing some colour
• Keep them well wrapped until you get them home
• Keep them in water until you are ready to start arranging
• Make sure vases are very clean
• Use fresh lukewarm water and add commercial cut flower food
• Remove all leaves which fall below the water level
• Take at least 3cm (1″) off all stems, making a slanted cut with sharp scissors
• Don’t smash or pierce the stems
• Avoid placing the arrangement in direct sunlight, heat, or draughts
• Keep flowers away from ripening fruit
• Don’t mix daffodils with other flowers
• Remove faded flowers as they occur
• Top up the water regularly and add fresh flower food