6 Tips To Keep Cut Flowers Fresh For Longer-Lasting Joy

Tips to keep cut flowers fresh — Something magical happens when you start to notice all of life’s little joys. You enter into this wonderful cycle of joy. Once you notice one little joy, you then begin to notice two, and then three – it’s a cycle that brings on more positive and grateful thinking, something many of us could use more of.

Not only does it help bring us back to the present moment, which is a helpful way we can deal with our anxious, racing thoughts, but it also helps us build gratitude for so many things in our day and in our life. And the older I get, the more evident it becomes that the little things really are the big things. The most simple things really are the most profound.

Read more: The Little Joys Challenge: March Edition

Which brings me to today’s post…flowers : )

Over the weekend, while shopping for some groceries, I picked up a few bunches of fresh-cut flowers, all in the prettiest shades of pink. One bunch of roses, one of carnations, and one of tulips. It’s something I don’t do often enough, considering how happy it makes me feel. So, this weekend, I decided, you know what, I’m going to treat myself to them. And it was the right decision a thousand times over. Each morning, I’m now greeted by them on my kitchen counter. They force me to take a beat before I start my day. They bring me so much joy.

The month of February can be a particularly difficult time for our moods, with many individuals experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. And for those of us who may not be experiencing SAD, we can still be feeling the winter blues, a bit down and low energy as a result of the shorter, darker, and colder days. (Although we have been having some sweet, sunshiny days here in the city lately! So, so nice : )) Which is why intentionally seeking ways to bring joy to your days is so important. For me, it just so happened to be with pretty pink blooms. What will your little joy be today?

With the hopes of keeping my cut flowers fresher longer, I’ve found a few techniques that help. And I wanted to share these tips with you. The next time life throws you a simple pleasure in the form of some fresh flowers, use these tips to enjoy them for as long as possible.

Here are 6 tips to keep cut flowers fresh and alive for as long as possible:

1. Fill a clean vase with room temperature water and add in a packet of flower food (this is often included with your flower purchase), or mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and two tablespoons of white sugar into your water.
2. Start by removing all excess leaves that will be underwater. This will keep your water fresher longer and prevent bacterial growth.
3. Always, always cut a bit off the ends of your stems. Cut the bottom of each stem at an angle using sharp shears or kitchen scissors. Doing this will help your blooms drink more water because of the larger surface. Once cut, place them in your vase immediately (I’m talking within seconds!). This will have them absorb the most water and prevent their ends from sealing up.
4. Re-cut the ends of your stems and change out the water every few days
5. One of the best ways to keep your flowers fresher longer is to store them in the refrigerator overnight! This is especially beneficial if the temperature in your home is warm.
6. Avoid placing your flowers in direct sunlight, and keep them away from your fruit bowls! Fruit releases ethylene gas that can make your flowers wilt quicker.

The Takeaway

Recognizing and being grateful for life’s simple pleasures can bring greater joy to your life and can help you learn to be more present in your every day. My hope is that you take the time to appreciate and celebrate each simple pleasure in your life. If fresh flowers happen to be yours today, I hope you’ve found these tips for keeping them lasting as long as possible helpful.

Got some tips to keep cut flowers fresh? What’s your favourite flower? What are some of your favourite little joys in life? What’s a little joy you look forward to each day? What’s your go-to way to boost your mood during the winter months? I’d really love to hear – let me know below!