A colorful bouquet of flowers from your local florist is the perfect way to liven up a room. To ensure its beauty lasts as long as possible, you’ll want to take all the necessary steps to lengthen your arrangement’s lifespan. The most effective methods of flower preservation can extend the freshness of your flowers by days. Here, you’ll learn a few helpful tips from Madison Avenue Florist, New York City’s top flower shop.

How to Make Your Flowers Last

1. Properly Prep Your Arrangement

As soon as you bring your flowers home, you’ll need to give them the proper welcome. Cut one or two inches off the bottom of each stem at an angle, and use gardening shears to avoid crushing the openings. Find a clean vase and fill it with room-temperature water. Remove any leaves and fallen petals below the water line to prevent bacterial growth.

2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Some believe their floral arrangements will flourish on a windowsill, but in truth, direct sunlight and heat make cut flowers wilt faster. Sunlight speeds their growth, and your goal is to prolong their development, keeping them fresher for longer. Place them in a cooler spot away from drafts, heat sources, and fans that will dry them out.

3. Refrigerate Them at Night

If possible, make room in the refrigerator for your blooming beauties. Leave them there for about eight hours overnight. This is one of the best ways to keep your flowers fresher for longer because the cool temperatures slow the aging of your plants without harming them.

4. Add Apple Cider Vinegar & Sugar

Apple cider vinegar and sugar make an impeccable team for flower preservation. Sugar provides valuable nutrients and acts as flower food but can promote the spread of bacteria. The acidic properties of apple cider vinegar efficiently combat bacterial growth. This allows your flowers to feed without risks.

5. Change the Water Regularly

The most obvious step is still often forgotten. Take care to regularly swap out the old water in your vase for fresh, clean water as soon as you notice any cloudiness. Generally, this needs to be done once every two to three days. Trim about half an inch off the ends of your stems each time you change the water.

At Madison Avenue Florist, you’ll find the freshest, highest quality flowers in Manhattan. From birthday flowers to wedding bouquets, their gorgeous blooms are ideal for any occasion. Whether you want them delivered to your home, an office, or a loved one’s front door, they offer fast and secure delivery options. Visit their website to explore their options and place an order, or call (212) 319-0242 to speak with a friendly staff member.