How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh for Two Weeks

One of the most common questions we receive is: "How do I make my flowers last longer?" The answer involves a few simple but often overlooked steps that can dramatically extend the life of your blooms. With the right technique, a carefully tended bouquet can stay vibrant for 14 days or more.

The most important step is re-cutting the stems at a 45-degree angle immediately before placing them in water. This angled cut maximises the surface area available for water uptake and prevents the stem ends from sitting flat against the vase bottom, which can block water absorption. Use a sharp, clean knife or scissors -- never tear the stems. For woody-stemmed flowers like roses, also strip any leaves that would fall below the waterline, as submerged foliage quickly promotes bacterial growth.

Water quality matters enormously. Change the water in your vase every two days, and add a small sachet of flower food (usually provided with purchased bouquets) to each fresh fill. Keep your arrangement away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ripening fruit -- the ethylene gas that fruit releases accelerates flower ageing. At night, moving your vase to a cooler room or even a refrigerator can add several extra days of life. These small habits add up to a noticeable difference in the longevity and vibrancy of your flowers.