How to Make Your Bouquets Last Longer

Freedom Flowers by Tracy
May 13
2 min read

Simple Tips to Help Your Farm-Fresh Flowers Go the Distance

There’s nothing better than bringing home a bouquet that’s fresh from the field—especially when it’s filled with unique heirlooms and seasonal locally grown flowers. But how do you make that beauty last? With just a little TLC, your flowers can stay gorg for days (and some even longer). Here's how:

1. Give Them a Fresh Cut

As soon as you get home, trim each stem at an angle—about an inch up from the bottom. This opens up the water pathways. Repeat this every few days to keep the bouquet sipping happily.

2. Special Care for Lilacs + Woody Stems

Some flowers need a little extra love. Lilacs and other woody stems (like viburnum or mock orange) don’t take up water the same way soft-stemmed flowers do. To help them drink:

Smash the bottom of the stem with a hammer, or
Make a vertical slit up the base of the stem about an inch long. This gives those tougher stems more surface area to absorb water—and it really works.

3. Clean Vase, Clean Water

Start with a clean vase and fresh, cool water. Change the water every 2–3 days (or sooner if it starts looking cloudy). Bacteria is the enemy of fresh flowers, so keeping things clean goes a long way.

Labrinth Dahlia strutting her stuff in 2022

4. Strip the Bottom Leaves

Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line. Submerged foliage breaks down quickly and encourages bacterial growth—which shortens vase life fast.

5. Keep Things Cool

Avoid placing your bouquet in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or next to ripening fruit (which releases ethylene gas that speeds up wilting). Bonus tip: Put your bouquet outside overnight if the temps are cool! Flowers love a little fresh air and a chill—just like we do after a long day.

6. Edit As You Go

Not every bloom lasts the same amount of time. If something starts to wilt, feel free to snip it out and let the rest of the bouquet take center stage.

7. Dry Your Favorites

Some flowers—like strawflower, statice, winged everlasting, and even certain grasses—dry beautifully. When your bouquet starts to fade, consider hanging it upside down in a dry, dark place to preserve the magic.

Drying Flowers in the Bloom Room at our Farm in Stanwood, WA

Caring for your bouquet is part of the joy—it's a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and notice the little things. If you picked up a Freedom Flowers bouquet you’re loving, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @freedomfarmflowers and show me where those blooms landed. I love seeing them in their new homes.

Until next time—

Live Free and Bloom Wildly,

Tracy