Last Updated on February 16, 2020 by Diane Hoffmaster
I love fresh flowers, whether I cut them from the back yard or someone gives them to me as a gift. But, knowing how to make flowers last longer once you cut them will keep that little bit of nature blooming a bit longer. Store bought flowers are expensive and I hate when they wilt within days of putting them in the vase. And fresh flowers from my backyard are not overly abundant. I have some daffodils and hyacinths popping out of the ground right now and I can’t wait til I have enough fresh flowers to bring inside on a regular basis. If you love flowers and hate for them to die too quickly, here are a few simple tips to make them last longer.
How to Make Flowers Last Longer
Prepare your flower water: There are a lot of ideas about how to make flowers last longer when it comes to their water and food. You want something that will minimize bacterial and mold growth but also provide nutrients to the fresh flowers. Here are a few ideas you might want to consider:
- Vinegar and sugar mixture: The vinegar will kill bacteria and sugar provides nutrients.
- Conventional flower food: Just use as directed on the package. Here is an affiliate link for flower food on Amazon if you want to keep some on hand in the house.
- A few drops of bleach: In theory the bleach kills bacteria and mold
- Aspirin: Increases the acidity of the water and prevents microbial growth
- A penny: The copper may act as an antibacterial agent.
- Make homemade plant food: Mix one quart of warm water with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon bleach. Mix well. Place in a vase and add flowers.
- Human vitamins: Crush a multivitamin tablet and add it to the water.
- Flower electrolytes: Add a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt mixed with baking soda.
Keep your flowers away from heat and bright light: Windowsills are really not the best place for a vase of flowers. Set them in a cool spot away from heating vents and direct sunlight.