How to cut flowers

How to Care for Cut Flowers by the KvětinyExpres.cz Experts

Want to know how to care for a bouquet to make it last longer? Cut flowers are a living decoration that deserves the best care. We've prepared proven tips from our lead florists, Monika and Andrea.

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7 Basic Steps to Make Your Bouquet Last Longer

Prepare the Vase: Absolute cleanliness is key. Always wash the vase thoroughly with hot water to remove bacteria. Choose the right size to provide support without crushing the stems.
Cut the Stems: The key to cut flower care is a sharp knife. Before placing in the vase, cut each stem 2–3 cm at a 45-degree angle. This increases the water-absorbing surface. Repeat every 2 days.
Remove Lower Leaves: Carefully remove all leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent rotting.
Use Flower Food: Always add the flower food (that you receive with every bouquet) to the water. It provides nutrients and slows bacterial growth.
Change Water Regularly: Change the water every 2 days with fresh, cold water.
Choose the Right Spot: Place the bouquet in a cooler spot, out of direct sunlight and away from drafts.
Beware of Fruit: Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which speeds up aging. Keep your vase away from fruit bowls.

Our Florists' Tips for Specific Flowers

Some flowers require special treatment. Here are the expert tips:

Roses: A Tip from Monika (Our A1 Quality Expert) "Roses need a lot of clean water. For proper care for roses in a vase, I recommend changing the water every single day and re-cutting the stems. They will reward you by blooming fully."

Gerberas: A Tip from Bára (Our Design Expert) "Gerberas have soft stems. After cutting, you can submerge them entirely in deep, cold water for an hour to 'drink' and firm up. In the vase, they only need a low water level, about 3-5 cm, so the stems don't rot."

Tulips: A Tip from Andrea (Our Seasonal Flower Expert) "Caring for tulips in a vase has its specifics. They are sensitive to heat and they keep growing in the vase! If they wilt, wrap them tightly in paper, cut the stems, and place them in cold water in a cool spot for a few hours. They are guaranteed to straighten up."

Lilies: A Tip from Bára "Lilies are luxurious and last a long time. But be careful of the pollen from their anthers—it stains badly. As soon as the flower opens, I recommend carefully snipping off the anthers with small scissors."

Stock (Matthiola) & Daffodils: A Tip from Andrea "These spring flowers produce a slime into the water that can 'poison' other flowers, especially roses and gerberas. Always place them in a separate vase for a few hours before adding them to a mixed bouquet."

PRO TIP from Bára: The Hot Water Trick "For flowers with woody stems, like hydrangeas or sunflowers, they might struggle to drink. 'Scalding' helps. Immediately after cutting, dip the end of the stem (just 1-2 cm) into hot (not boiling!) water for 5-10 seconds. This opens the tissues, and the flower will drink better."

Proper care is not rocket science. With these steps, your bouquet will bring you joy for a long time.

Take a look at our daily selection of fresh cut flowers.