Ten Tips to Keep Your Flowers Looking Fresher Longer

Now that it is SPRING (or we would like to think it is...if only it would stop snowing here in Utah) flower bouquets are a great accessory for any table or nighstand. Source

Here are a few suggestions to keep your bouquets looking their best:

1) Buy flowers at the store only if you are rushing home right after to put them into water.

2) Use a clean vase & tools. Mold will speed up the decaying process.

3)Remove the leaves that fall below the water line.

4) Don't bother to cut the stems under water. Just make sure you have a vase with clean water waiting.

5) Use a small hammer to smash wooden stems (on hydrangeas & lilac for example). This helps the flower absorb water better.

6) Use cold water for flowers that come from bulbs.

7) Don't mix daffodils with other flowers. They produce a sap that sticks to other types of flowers. Soak daffodils in water for a few hours if you are going to mix.

8) To force closed flowers open, put in warm tap water.

9) To revive wilted flowers submerge in cool water for a few hours.

10) Keep bouquets off TV's and other warm appliances. Also, keep them out of direct sunlight.

Based off of article from realsimple.com