Blog · February 15, 2026

How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh Longer

You've just received a beautiful bouquet — now what? With the right care, your fresh flowers can last up to two weeks. Here are our expert tips from the Florum design studio.

1. Trim the Stems at an Angle

Before placing flowers in a vase, cut 1-2 inches off the stems at a 45-degree angle using sharp shears. This increases the surface area for water absorption. Re-trim every 2-3 days.

2. Use Clean, Cool Water

Fill your vase with cool, fresh water. Change the water every 2 days to prevent bacterial growth. Always use the flower food packet included with your delivery — it contains nutrients and antibacterial agents.

3. Remove Leaves Below the Waterline

Submerged leaves rot quickly and breed bacteria, shortening your bouquet's life. Strip all foliage that sits below the waterline.

4. Keep Away from Heat and Direct Sunlight

Display your arrangement in a cool spot, away from windows, heaters, and fruit bowls (fruit emits ethylene gas, which causes flowers to wilt faster). A cool room temperature of 65-72°F is ideal.

5. Remove Wilting Blooms

As individual flowers fade, remove them from the arrangement. Wilting blooms release ethylene gas that speeds up the decline of surrounding flowers.

Looking for fresh flowers delivered in the Seattle area? Browse our collection or explore flower subscription plans for weekly or monthly deliveries across Seattle, Bellevue, and the entire Eastside.


Where to find Florum Flowers

Florum LLC