Help Your Fresh Flowers Look Better Longer

Whether given to you as a Mother's Day gift or picked fresh from your yard, a beautiful bouquet will brighten up any room. Taking a little extra care can extend the life of your arrangement for longer enjoyment. Follow the 7 tips below to extend the life of your blooms.

1) Keep your flowers cool! Most flowers will last longer if kept between 65 and 72 degrees. Keep your blooms away from heat vents, direct sunlight or other extreme temperatures. Don't put them near computers, televisions or other heat-producing appliances. You might consider stashing your flowers in the fridge at night for a real cool down.

2.Trim off any leaves that will be below the waterline. Submerged leaves promote bacterial growth.

3. Wash your container with warm soapy water to remove any debris and bacteria that might exist.

4. Cut the stems of each of your flowers on a diagonal under water to help them take up water.

5. Fill your vases or other containers with lukewarm water which will be more readily absorbed then cold water.

6. Use the flower food provided by your florist to help them last longer. Follow the directions on the packet for best results. If your flowers didn't come with food, don't worry, you can use household items as a replacement. Simply add two tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar per quart of water. The acids will help kill unwanted bacteria.

7. Replace the water frequently (every 2-3 days) with fresh water and don't let the vase go dry. If the water becomes cloudy, you definitely know it's time to get new water. If possible, you should re-cut the stems when you replace the water.