I’m a florist – four simple tips to make your flowers last longer – and why bleach is the answer to limp blooms

A PROFESSIONAL florist has revealed how to make blooms last longer in the warmer days – and why bleach is your best friend.

The sunny summer days are finally here – but whilst we might enjoy the warmer temperatures, the flower bouquets we have stored in vases all around the house are not so keen on the stuffy and hot weather.

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Luckily, offering a helping hand to you – and your flowers – two gurus have shared a few tips on how to lengthen the lifespan of cut blooms.

Speaking to The Express, Emmanual Arthur, the floral designer behind East-London based Emmy Bloom said: “Depending on the type of flowers you have in the home, warmer temperatures can cause your cut flowers to become limp and dehydrated.”

“Generally speaking, with warmer weather comes wilting flowers,” agreed another whizz, Nem Vorkapic, from Floward.

“Over time the health of freshly cut flowers will naturally deteriorate quicker than usual if they are exposed to higher temperate levels.

However, there are a few things you can do to make your bouquets last longer – and it’s not just topping up the vase with fresh water.

A DASH OF BLEACH TO YOUR VASE

“It may seem strange but freshly cut flowers will last longer if you add a dash of bleach to your vase water,” Nem revealed.

”This simple trick will not only make your flowers last longer, but it will also keep the water from getting cloudy and prevent the growth of bacteria, giving a cleaner presentation to your flower arrangement.”

A STERILISING TABLET

If bleach sounds a little too harsh, there is an alternative, according to the gurus.

“Milton sterilising tablets, often used to sterilise baby bottles, are also a great alternative to add to vase water for the same effect too, and are less harsh than bleach,” Nem said.

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A COPPER PENNY

Another tip Nem shared is adding a copper penny.

“The copper in pennies acts in a similar way to an acidifier, which again prevents the growth of bacteria and keeps your flowers fresher for longer.”

It is believed that the coin acts as an antimicrobial agent, reducing the microorganisms in the water, which in turns keeps the blooms fresh.

SUGAR, SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

Flowers love everything sweet just as much as we do – so a sugar cube that’s dropped into the case will add extra boost and longevity.

The combination of sugar and the copper penny can help to increase the pH of the water, thus preventing any small bacteria or microbes from growing in the water.

How often to change water?

Of course, one of the easiest and most common ways to keep your flowers fresher for longer is by changing water.

According to Emmanuel, this is something that should be done “at least once a week to every five days”.

She also recommended using “flower food will help keep your blooms perky and nourished”.