Here are 6 useful and easy tips to help make cut flowers last longer!

The best way to brighten a room, to put a smile on someone's face or a way to say thank you, is with a beautiful bunch of flowers!

I think there is something special about flowers....the way that nature reminds you of how amazing it is!

Now, that may sound a little 'hippy' or like I am a 'love child from the seventies'....but it really is a little way to remember that when things are so busy and hectic, or you need to remind someone that they are loved, that the simple flower can just make a grey day, great!

I love to bring flowers inside from my garden as it is a way to share their colour and fragrance, inside and out. It is amazing at how happier a room can feel when there are fresh flowers...

but, the downside to this is that flowers can wilt and die very quickly once they are cut from the plant.

Here are the 6 best way I have used, that keeps flowers fresh and alive for longer, not wilting too quickly and having a few extra days of their enjoyment.

6 Tips to make cut Flowers Last Longer!

Start with a clean vase

Sounds really obvious I know, but having a clean vase will ensure that there is no bacteria or micro-organisms that will stop your flowers from being fresh for as long as possible. The best way to clean vases is with hot water mixed with baking soda and white vinegar, washed with a cloth and air dried.

Cut the stems at an angle

Flowers will need as much water as they can to keep from wilting and turning brown quickly. Trimming the ends of the flower's stem on an angle will create more surface area for the water to be absorbed and keep flowers alive for longer! As the stems seal up, re-cutting the stems on an angle every few days, will help the flowers to draw up fresh water.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar and sugar in the water

Before adding the flowers to the vase, simply mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons sugar in the water. The sugar nourishes the flowers while the vinegar stops the growth of bacteria.

Make sure to change the water every few days (and add the vinegar and sugar) to help keep your flowers fresh for as long as possible.

Spray the flowers with hairspray

Spray the underside of the flower petals with hairspray as this will help to keep the flowers looking fresher for longer. Simply give a quick spray underneath the petals and leaves and when the hairspray has dried, simply place them in the vase.

Keep flowers away from the heat

Keeping flowers in a cool area will keep your flowers fresher for longer. Don't place them next to heaters or in line with the ducted heating outlet on the ceiling. Even electrical appliances and electronics give off heat which can dehydrate flowers. Florists keep their flowers in big fridges for exactly this reason.

Don't put them next to fruit

As some fruit ripens especially apples and bananas, they give off a chemical compound (ethylene) that will rot the flowers and other fruit.

So treat yourself to a lovely bunch of flowers or bring some flowers from your garden inside, and follow these useful and easy tips to make your flowers last longer.

Just to add some colour, fresh fragrance and a little piece of nature to your day will increase your happiness and wellbeing.....go on - you deserve it!

If you are giving flowers as a gift, why not print out these ideas and give them with the flowers! A great way to make sure your gift and thoughts last a little longer!

You can save these tips for making cut flowers last longer to your Pinterest page, to remind you when when you have a beautiful bunch of flowers that you don't want to see wilt too quickly!! ?

Simply hover over an image and the Pinterest sign will come up, so you are able to click on it to save it to your Pinterest board.

You can follow along for other great recipes and lots more by following the Sparkles In The Everyday Pinterest Board.