Fresh Cut Flower Care From a single bud, to a small bunch to an abundant arrangement, just a little extra care to your fresh cut flowers can make a big difference. Most fresh flower arrangements last from 4 to 7 days, depending on the type of flowers used and the type of flower care they receive. The top two questions Americans ask when purchasing fresh flowers is: "How do I take care of fresh flowers?" "How long will cut flowers last?

Tips for caring for fresh flowers:

• Keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with water containing a flower food.
• If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely.
• If possible, re-cut the flower stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife.
  
• Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in the water will promote bacterial growth, causing the flowers to wilt quickly.
• Use warm water when adding water to the vase or refilling it.
• Keep fresh flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid placing your flowers near heating or cooling vents, areas directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators.
• Appliances such as televisions and radiators give off heat, causing the fresh cut flowers to quickly dehydrate.

Tips for caring for fresh flowers boxed or in loose wrapped bunches:

• If you can't get your fresh cut flowers into a water and flower food solution right away, keep them in a cool place.
• Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food, following the directions on the package.
• Re-cut flower stems with a sharp knife. Do this underwater, in warm water. This allows the stems to draw in water instead of air.
• Then place the fresh flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.
• When using woody stems and branches (such as forsythia, quince or lilac), cut the flower stem with sharp pruning shears.