There’s nothing like a fresh vase of your favourite flowers but do you know how to keep them fresher for longer?
Whether you’ve bought yourself a floral treat or you’ve been gifted a bouquet by a loved one, there’s nothing like the disappointment of watching your beautiful blooms die almost instantly.
So, to help you out, a flower expert has shared a secret hack that will help your flowers look fabulous for longer.
Even better, you might find the secret ingredient in your fruit bowl.
Lemons can help your fresh flowers stay fresh for longer (Image: Getty)
‘Secret’ for keeping flowers alive for longer
This ‘secret’ hack will help flowers, including the likes of lilies, to last longer.
Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers, said: “Hydration is key for keeping fresh-cut lilies for longer but the acidity of the water is important, too.
“A splash of lemon juice can lower the water’s pH which helps lilies absorb water easier and keep them vibrant for longer.
“Lemon water is a healthy drink for humans but many don’t realise it can have benefits for flowers, too. A vitamin C tablet crushed into the vase can also be effective.”
If you haven’t got a lemon lying around at home, you can pick one up for 30p at Morrisons.
Like many flowers, lilies absorb water more effectively in an acidic environment which helps them stay hydrated and fresher for longer and keeps bacteria growth at bay.
Plants that could damage the value of your homeWhy do flowers wilt?
“One of the biggest culprits behind wilting flowers is bacteria. When vases suffer from a bacteria build-up, it can block flower stems’ vascular systems. This prevents water and nutrient uptake and causes petals to droop and leaves to start yellowing,” Elise added.
“Lowering the pH keeps vase water clearer, the growth of harmful bacteria is reduced, keeping stems clear and expanding your flowers’ lifespan.”
Elise also recommends refreshing the water in the vase every two or three days and trimming stems at a 45-degree angle to improve water uptake.
She added: “Direct sunlight can be too harsh on flowers, so if you want to keep your bouquet for as long as possible, place them somewhere cool and shaded.
“Retrimming stems can also extend the life of your lilies. Over time, the cut ends of blooms can become blocked by air bubbles which can block water and nutrients accessing the flower.
“Trim half an inch off your stems after a few days to expose a fresh surface to absorb water.”
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Other ways you can keep flowers alive for longer
BBC Maestro shared some more tips for keeping flowers fresher for longer, including using the food provided or making your own.
You should also remove any leaves that are below the water line, put your flower in an opaque vase and change the water in the vase every day.
Make sure to trim the stems of your flowers regularly and put the vase in a shaded spot – sunlight isn’t needed as the flowers aren’t growing anymore.
Remove any flowers that are wilting and avoid mixing daffodils in the vase with other flowers straightaway – they “secrete a slimy substance from their stems that’s harmful to other flowers.”
Make sure the vase you use is clean before putting your fresh flowers in it.