Care Guide : Looking After Cut Flowers

• To ‘condition’ flowers: remove wrapping and put straight into water until you’re ready to arrange them. Trim stems of any leaves that will sit below the waterline (to avoid life-shortening bacteria forming) and cut stems at a 45 degree angle to aid maximum water absorption (for tulips, cut straight)
• Ensure vases are clean as bacteria kills off flowers faster – to eliminate stubborn stains, soak in Steradent (denture cleaning fluid) overnight; for all vases, wash in hot water with a mild detergent and a scourer, rinse and dry while the glass is still hot (don’t leave to drip dry)
• Flower food sachets do work – alternatively, add a sterilising tablet, a few drops of detergent or a dash of sugar to the water.  
• Replace water regularly (every 2-3 days) and keep blooms away from direct sunlight or radiator heat (the cooler the location, the longer flowers will last).
• Daffodil stems emit a substance that is toxic to other cut flowers so arrange on their own. Limit teaming scented flowers together to avoid a too-heady mix.

Choosing seasonal flowers is always the most affordable and eco-friendly option. For more information about which flowers are available per month, visit flowers.org.uk