Flower Care 101: How to Make Your Flower Bouquets Last Longer

There’s nothing quite like the joy of receiving fresh flowers but how do you make those beautiful blooms last as long as possible?

At Flowers Creations, we handcraft each bouquet right here in Sittingbourne, Kent, using the freshest stems available. In this guide, we’ll share our professional flower care tips so your flower orders stay vibrant and fragrant for longer.

Expert Flower Care Advice from Flowers Creations, Your Local Sittingbourne Florist

1. Always Start with a Clean Vase

Before arranging your flowers, give your vase a good wash using hot soapy water or a small dash of bleach. Why? Because bacteria in a dirty vase shortens the life of your flowers even if they’re freshly cut from our studio. Remember to do this every time you change the water too.

2. Fill with Lukewarm Water (Not Cold)

We always recommend filling your vase with lukewarm water. This encourages better hydration through the stems. Refresh the water every 2 days, and be sure to rinse the vase too.

Tulips or daffodils? Use cold water instead to keep them upright longer.

3. Trim Those Stems at an Angle

Cut 1–2 cm off each stem at a 45-degree angle before placing in water. This helps increase surface area for better water absorption and keeps stems from sitting flat at the base.

Re-trim the stems every few days to keep water flowing properly.

4. Use the Flower Food Provided, Or Make Your Own

Every bouquet from Flowers Creations comes with a sachet of flower food. It’s packed with nutrients and antibacterial agents to help your flowers thrive.

If you run out, try this DIY mix:
•    1 tsp sugar
•    1 tsp lemon juice
•    A few drops of bleach
Mixed into 1 litre of water is perfect for a homemade flower boost.

5. Choose the Right Spot at Home

Place your flowers in a cool, shaded location away from direct sunlight, radiators, open windows, and especially fruit bowls (which release ethylene gas that causes flowers to wilt faster).

Great spots: hallway tables, kitchen worktops (away from the oven), or a shaded windowsill.

Bonus: Care Tips by Flower Type

Roses:    Remove outer “guard petals” and snip any thorns
Lilies:    Gently remove pollen to prevent staining
Tulips:    Wrap stems in paper to keep them from drooping
Hydrangeas:    Submerge heads in cool water for 30–60 mins if limp

Why Freshness Matters 

When you buy from Flowers Creations in Sittingbourne, you’re getting locally sourced and studio-arranged flowers, not mass-produced imports. That means your bouquet is already a step ahead in longevity.

With the right care, your flower delivery stay fresh for at least 7 days, depending on the flower types. We also include flower food with every order along with instructions for the recipient about flower care in order to keep their gift blooming for as long as possible.

Need More Flower Advice?

Whether you’ve received a gift bouquet or ordered a special arrangement through our online flower shop, we’re always here to help you get the most from your blooms.
•    Call us on 01795 871 308
•     Email us at [email protected]

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