At Home Care

Flower growers and florists do everything they can to get flowers to you in the best possible condition. Once you buy them it's your turn to follow the simple flower care rules that will make your flowers last as long as possible.

1. Get your flowers home FAST

Drive straight home, don't stop for a long lunch and leave your flowers in the hot car - go straight home! Place your flowers on the floor of the car or anywhere out of the sun. If it's hot put the air conditioning on. Cut flowers are the most perishable horticultural product there is and it only takes half an hour or so out of water in hot conditions to cause irreparable damage.

2. Get your vase ready

Select the vase you wish to use and make sure it is clean. If it isn't scrub it out in the sink with a little detergent, or even better, a little bleach in water. Now fill the vase with COLD water, and add a sachet of flower preservative. If you haven't got a sachet, see the Why Use a Flower Preservative section for a recipe.

3. Prepare the arrangement

If you have a pre-made arrangement, take it out of the wrapping paper, and roll the rubber band or ties away from the stem ends. Strip any leaves off the stems that would be underwater. If you have purchased a bunch, or want to make your own arrangement, cut the rubber bands or ties, and strip every leaf from the lower half of each stem.

4. Cut the stem ends

Cut 1-2 cm off each stem end, then place your flowers in water IMMEDIATELY.

5. Place the vase

Put your flowers in a cool position. Don't place the vase in direct sunlight, or near a heater or in a warm draught.

6. Check the flowers daily

Make sure you top up the vase water with fresh water + preservative every day. Make a complete change of water every 3 days or so.