12 steps to improve the longevity and look of your cut flowers i.e. how to improve their value for money

Regardless of whether you’re spending £5 on flowers at Aldi/Lidl or £35 on a bunch from an online florist (+ £10 off with this) these steps should be taken to improve the look and longevity of your cut flowers:

1. Unpackage the flowers (if wrapped in plastic use this to collect the leaves/off cuts etc)
2. Lay them out
3. Find a suitable vase/container, ensure it’s clean (remember bacteria will harm your plants) and fill with clean water

4. Add flower food – You can buy it in bulk if you buy flowers often (or make your own using a teaspoon of Bleach / or five tablespoons of White Vinegar¹)
5. Remove excess leaves, especially those that would be in the water
6. Remove any guard petals (e.g. on a rose) – see video below

7. Start creating a green base with greenery
8. Trim 2-3cm off the bottom of all stems with a diagonal cut (these scissors are a 10ways favourite) &/or line up the flowers with the outside of the vase to work out where to cut
   
9. Play with the height/positioning of the more prominent flowers – You may with to trim some of the stems to different heights and position
10. Discard the cut pieces into your food waste and recycle the plastic if possible

11. After 3-5 days consider changing the water and recutting the stems to give them another boost. 
12. After 5-10 days some of the flowers will be time for the food waste/compost heap/bin, however, others will still be looking beautiful. Remove these good flowers, recut and add to smaller vases (e.g. jam jars or drinking glasses) for a few extra days of life.

Where can I find the best prices on flowers?

• Your local florist (or go via someone like Interflora)
• The supermarkets like Aldi / Lidl etc
• HomeBargains Flowers – We’ve never tested the quality but possibly a good budge option
• Bunches – A good allrounder
• Marks & Spencer – A good allrounder
• Bloom & Wild (+ £10 off with this) – Something special
• Selfridges – Money isn’t an issue (e.g. £600 for a bunch 😳)

Images courtesy of Bloom & Wild

1. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/problem-solving/six-clever-ways-to-keep-cut-flowers-alive/