7 Tips for Keeping Cut Flowers Fresh

By Lise BoullardUpdated: Mar. 20, 2019

Freshly cut flowers can liven up the décor in any room, but proper care must be taken to keep them looking their best. Here are seven tips to help keep those petals looking fabulous longer.

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Vase of fresh flowers

Trimming the stems and changing the water daily is one way to keep flowers looking fresh.

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Snip stems and change vase water daily, says Stephanie Laekas, floral designer at Montreal’s Don Belvedere Florist.

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Pick flowers in the cooler early morning or evening hours.

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Snip stems at an angle using a sharp knife or pruners to encourage water absorption.

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Cut stems at their base to leave room for daily trims.

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Cut stems at their base to leave room for daily trims.

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Add flower food or 1 mL (1⁄4 tsp) of sugar to a vase filled with room-temperature water.

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Display arrangements out of direct sunlight and away from drafty areas.

Originally Published: January 27, 2011