How to Care for Your Farm Fresh Flowers

Simple steps to help your locally grown blooms last longer and look their best.

There’s something so special about bringing home a bouquet of farm fresh flowers. Whether you picked it yourself or received it as a gift, that arrangement is full of life, colour, and love. With just a little care, it can stay that way for as long as possible.

At Franklin & Co. Flower Farm, we grow every flower with intention, using organic practices and harvesting at just the right moment for peak freshness. Because our flowers are grown locally and don’t sit on trucks or airplanes for days, they already have a head start when it comes to longevity. That said, once they’re in your hands, a little extra attention goes a long way.

1. Start with a Clean Vase

Before you do anything else, grab a vase and give it a good wash with warm, soapy water. Bacteria hiding in a dirty vase can shorten the life of your flowers. Fresh water and a clean start make all the difference. Think of it as setting the stage for your flowers to shine. If you wouldn't drink out of the vase, don't put your flowers in it.

2. Recut the Stems

Using clean, sharp scissors or floral snips, trim about a quarter inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This creates a larger surface area for water absorption and helps the flowers hydrate better. If your bouquet was out of water for a bit (say, during transport), this step is especially important to jumpstart the hydration process.

Tip: Recut the stems under running water or in a shallow bowl to prevent air bubbles from entering the stems.

3. Strip the Leaves

Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line in your vase. Leaves in water will begin to rot, which creates bacteria and can lead to cloudy water and wilted flowers. This also gives your bouquet a cleaner, more intentional look in the vase.

4. Use Fresh, Cool Water

Fill your vase with cool, clean water. If we’ve provided a packet of flower food with your bouquet, mix it in now. It contains just the right mix of nutrients and antibacterial agents to help your flowers thrive. Change the water every two days to prevent bacteria buildup and keep things fresh.

Tip: If you're changing the water of tulips, add in a few ice cubes. They like the water COOL!

Bonus tip: Every time you change the water, give the vase a quick rinse and the stems a little trim.

5. Keep Them Cool & Out of Direct Sun

Where you place your bouquet matters. Avoid sunny windowsills, heating vents, or areas near appliances that give off heat. Flowers last longer in cooler temperatures, and too much direct sun can cause petals to wilt prematurely.

Also avoid placing flowers near fruit bowls. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can speed up aging in flowers. It’s one of those little known things that makes a big difference.

6. Re-trim Stems Every Few Days

Giving your flowers a fresh trim every 2 to 3 days helps them continue to hydrate well and stay looking their best. Even a small snip can make a noticeable difference in how your flowers last.

7. Enjoy the Process

Part of the beauty of locally grown flowers is watching them evolve. Some blooms open slowly over several days, while others may shift in colour, shape, or fragrance. It’s a gentle reminder of the fleeting nature of beauty and the joy of savouring it.

Create a little ritual out of checking on your flowers, topping up the water, turning the vase toward the light, maybe even removing a spent bloom so the others can shine.

Bonus Tip: Compost Your Bouquet

When your flowers have finally faded, compost the stems and petals if you can. It’s a beautiful way to return their energy to the earth and close the loop in a gentle, natural way. If you’re not composting yet, this could be a lovely place to start. At Franklin & Co. Flower Farm we are in the process of building out our compost pile. 

From Our Field to Your Home

We harvest every stem with care and aim to get it into your hands as quickly as possible. By following these simple care tips, you can help your farm fresh flowers last longer, look better, and bring joy to your home all week long.

Thanks for letting our flowers be part of your everyday beauty.

– Cory
Franklin & Co. Flower Farm