Fresh flowers can last a lot longer if you take proper care of them (Image: Getty)
There’s nothing that can brighten up your quite like a beautiful bunch of fresh .
Whether you’ve ordered them from an online florist or simply picked up a bouquet from your local , they’re the perfect way to add some extra life and colour to your space.
But unfortunately, cut flowers don’t last forever – and it can sometimes feel like just a couple of days before your once-fresh bouquet has started to wilt and die.
This is a completely natural process and ultimately can’t be avoided, but there are certain things you can do to prolong the lifespan of your flowers.
That’s according to expert floral product developer, Samantha Walker, who has lifted the lid on how to make your cut flowers last.
Keeping your bouquet away from certain things in the home could make it last a lot longer (Image: Getty)
She said: “Flowers are more than just a gift – they’re an expression of emotion. Whether it’s cheering up a loved one, adding colour to your home, or celebrating Valentine’s Day, our survey shows how much Brits value the beauty and joy that flowers can bring.”
And if you want your bunch of flowers to take pride of place in the kitchen, living room or dining room, then you might want to keep it away from the fruit bowl – as there are three major culprits that can wreak havoc on your flowers.
Samantha said: “Fruits like bananas, apples, and pears release ethylene gas, which can accelerate the maturation process of your flowers.”
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However, before you even put them in the vase, there’s an additional tip that could help to prolong your flowers’ lifespan – and that’s cutting the stems the right way.
Samantha said: “When trimming stems, cut at a 45-degree angle to create a larger surface area for hydration. This helps your blooms stay hydrated for longer.”
And although it’s easy to forget about, don’t throw away that little packet of flower food that comes wrapped on the outside of your bouquet.
Samantha said: “Don’t overlook the importance of plant food – using the packet included with your bouquet can significantly extend its lifespan, often beyond the typical five days.
“Refreshing the water every four to five days and removing any wilting flowers or leaves from the vase can also help your arrangement stay vibrant and fresh.”