How to Care for Fresh Flowers: A 5-Step Guide

Nothing brightens up a space quite like a vase of fresh flowers. But keeping them looking vibrant for days—or even weeks—takes a little extra love. Whether you’ve picked them from your garden or received a thoughtful bouquet from us here at BESS, we’ve got a few simple steps to help your blooms last longer and look their best.

With just a few minutes of care, your flowers will stay fresher and more beautiful for longer. Happy arranging!

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1. Fill your vase

Start with a clean vase and fill it about two-thirds full with fresh water.

2. Trim the stems

Use sharp secateurs to cut about 1cm off the stems at an angle. If you need to use scissors prioritise cutting soft stems like tulips and roses—woody stems are hardier.

3. Give the flowers a drink

Strip away any leaves that would sit below the waterline—this helps prevent bacterial growth. Then, place your flowers into the vase, ensuring all stems are fully submerged.

4. Keep fresh

Refresh the water and re-trim the stems every second day. Remove any wilted or dying stems as soon as you notice them. This helps keep the water clean and your fresh flowers looking their best for longer.