Whether you bought yourself a beautiful bouquet (always a good idea) or received fresh flowers from a friend or loved one (a "rose bud," perhaps?), keep your blooms looking fresh and fabulous with these pro tips from our talented Floral Team!

Trim the Stems: Just before putting flowers in water, use clean, sharp hand pruners to cut about a ½-inch off each stem on the diagonal—this will increase the surface area for absorbing water and nutrition. Trim stems every time you change the water.

Freshen Water Often: Fill vase with cool to room temperature water and use the flower food packet supplied with your flowers according to the directions. Change water every 1–2 days. 

Remove Lower Leaves: Leaves submerged under the waterline may rot and contribute to the growth of harmful bacteria and foul-smelling water.

Use a Clean Vase: Clean vases between use, as bacteria can build up in a dirty vase and will remain even when the vase dries out. For best results, use a bleach-based cleanser.

Choose a Good Setting: Keep flowers in a cool location away from changing temperatures, direct sunlight and ripening fruit or vegetables. Ripening produce emits a gas called ethylene that is harmless to humans but deadly to flowers.

Ready to get started? Drop by our Floral Department to find all sorts of fresh and fabulous flowers or build your own bouquet!

Article originally published in April of 2018 and updated in July of 2024.