1. Start with a sparkling clean vase

Always wash your vase with hot, soapy water after each use. Leftover residue from past arrangements harbors bacteria, which can dramatically shorten your flowers’ vase life.

2. Remove leaves below the waterline

Gently strip away any foliage that would sit in the water. Leaves in the vase break down quickly and create bacteria, which can clog stems and reduce water uptake.

3. Cut stems at a 45° angle with a clean, sharp tool

A fresh, angled cut increases the surface area for water absorption. Always use sharp floral scissors or a clean knife to avoid crushing the stems - and sanitize your tools between uses to prevent bacteria from spreading.

4. Refresh the water every 2–3 days (or daily for dahlias!)

If the water looks cloudy, it’s time to change it. Fresh water helps keep bacteria at bay and keeps your blooms hydrated and happy. We refresh water daily for dahlias, as they’re more sensitive than other blooms.

5. Re-cut stems with each water change

Trim about ½ inch off the bottom of each stem when you change the water. This removes clogs and keeps the stems drinking freely.

6. Remove fading blooms or petals

Even one wilted flower can make the whole bouquet look tired. Snip off any fading blooms or damaged petals to keep your arrangement looking fresh and full of life.

7. Keep flowers away from ripening fruit & direct sun

Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which causes blooms to wilt more quickly. Direct sunlight and heat can also fade or dry out your flowers.

8. Flower food (optional!)

We skip commercial flower food - these simple steps are usually all you need. But if you enjoy DIY, you can mix your own flower preservative with: 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 drop of bleach per quart of water. This helps mimic the effects of store-bought packets.