By Carrie Knutson, Horticulture agent

NDSU Extension – Grand Forks County

Valentine’s Day, I think, has great timing. The colorful displays of candy, cards and of course, cut flowers provide much-needed color for our eyes. It is the cut flowers that really catch my eye and it’s hard to resist bringing some home. You can do a few things to get the most out of your fresh flower purchase.

First, we should probably remember that it is a flower’s natural process to produce seeds and die. A cut flower will not live forever. We cannot stop that process, but we can slow it down.

The job of growers, shippers, florists and the final consumer is to keep the flowers living as long as possible. Professionals call the time flowers remain alive in a floral arrangement, vase life. Typical vase life is about 7 days. This can vary depending on the flower and design.

Vase life starts first with flower selection. Florists select the best flowers for their arrangements, and you can too. Flowers that are just about to open with firm blooms and leaves are the best options. The leaves and blooms should not be discolored, think a healthy vibrant color.

If you are reusing a container, make sure that it is clean. Wash the container with hot water and soap to remove any lurking germs that may shorten the life of your flowers. The dishwasher works as long as the container is dishwasher safe.

If you are making your own arrangement, remove the lower leaves of the flowers and foliage that will be underwater. Leaves left in the water will discolor the water and shorten vase life.

Give the flowers a fresh cut before putting them in water. Remove one-half to one inch with a sharp knife. Knives will not crush the bottom of the stems as easily as scissors. If you are not comfortable using a knife, use your sharpest scissors or pruners. Remember to use your knife safely! If you purchased flowers already in water, half the work is done for you.

Use the floral preservative provided with your flowers. Not all homemade preservatives work, and they can actually shorten vase life.

The flower arrangement should be placed in a bright location, not in direct sunlight. Cooler temperatures will also prolong vase life. Keep arrangements away from furnace vents and drafts from outside air.

Check the water in the arrangement daily and add more water as needed. Change the water completely if it becomes cloudy or has a smell. These tips will work for any flowers you bring inside during the growing season as well.

Finally, don’t forget to cover your flowers if you have to bring them outside. A plastic sleeve or a few layers of tissue paper will protect the flowers for a short time. Don’t leave them in a cold vehicle for too long. Otherwise, you will have frozen flowers.

Happy gardening!

For more information about gardening, contact your local NDSU Extension agent. Find the Extension office for your county at ndsu.ag/countyoffice.  

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Feb. 5, 2025

Source: Carrie Knutson, 701-780-8229, carrie.knutson@ndsu.edu

Editor: Kelli Anderson, 701-231-6136, kelli.c.anderson@ndsu.edu