At Home Tricks to Keep Your DIY Flowers Fresh

Tip 1
After receiving the flowers cut at least ¼ to an inch of each stem, on an angle, under water (try filling a sink and cutting them in the sink). Let them soak up water for a couple minutes then place them into a large pail with cool water. Do not cram as many flowers as you can into each bucket. Be prepared to use several 5 gallon sized buckets.

Tip 2
Place the buckets in any room you can close off and keep cool. Put an air conditioner into one of the windows and try to maintain a temperature of around 60 degrees. Do not place the flowers directly near the air conditioner or in direct sunlight. Make sure the air does not directly blow onto the flowers.

Tip 3
Place a humidifier in the room. This will keep the flowers hydrated from the outside in.

Tip 4
Place a little bit of Sprite or 7-Up in each bucket. The lemon/lime in the soda will help extend the life of your flowers.

Tip 5
Cut the flowers again as you arrange them for your centerpieces or bouquets.

Tip 6
If you're working with roses and they haven’t opened, you can force them open by placing the stems in hot water for a couple of minutes. It’s very important that you don’t leave them in the water longer than a couple of minutes or you will kill the flowers.