How to Preserve Flowers in a Vase

How to Preserve Flowers in a Vase

• 1

  If possible, put the flowers in lukewarm water immediately after cutting them off of the plant. North Dakota State University recommends harvesting flowers during a cool morning and immediately placing the stems in lukewarm water. Put them in water even during the short interim between cutting them outside and carrying them indoors to a vase. A good method is to carry around a bucket of lukewarm water to stick flowers into as they are cut throughout the garden.

• 2

  Remove excess leaves and foliage from the flower stems before putting them in a vase. Once flowers are cut, they no longer need their leaves for photosynthesis. The leaves may actually take water away from the flowers or become mildewy in the vase water.

• 3

  Trim the ends of the stems off of store-bought flowers or cut flowers that have been sitting around for a while. According to the University of Minnesota, the ends of flower stems dry out quickly and may not be able to effectively absorb water if they sit around before being put into a vase with water. Cutting off the ends of the stems enables flowers to absorb water better.

• 4

  Use a commercial flower preservative in the vase water to help extend the life of cut flowers. The University of Minnesota warns that many commonly recommended household water additions for flower preservation, such as aspirin and wine, do not actually help flowers live longer. Instead, use a commercial flower preservative from a flower shop.

• 5

  Put the flowers in a vase so that the ends of the stems are completely submerged in lukewarm water with flower preservative.

• 6

  Keep the flowers out of very hot places, direct sunlight and drafts. Hot places and drafts make flowers wilt and die faster. Put them in the refrigerator when nobody is using them as a centerpiece or decoration, such as when everyone is out of the house.

• 7

  Check the vase water level frequently and add more water when it gets low.