“How do you make your flowers last so long?”
If you’re a florist—or even a flower lover—you’ve probably heard this question more times than you can count. While flower care involves several important steps, there’s one detail that often gets overlooked: the tool you use to cut your flowers.
Yes, that’s right. The longevity of your blooms can come down to what’s in your hand when you snip that stem.
It’s tempting to grab whatever scissors are nearby—maybe the old kitchen shears, or worse, those glue-crusted craft scissors hiding in a junk drawer. But using dull or dirty tools can actually damage your flowers before they even hit the vase.
When you use scissors or shears that crush rather than slice, you create jagged or pinched ends that prevent the flower from properly absorbing water. This dramatically shortens the life of the bloom.
For the cleanest cut, florists swear by one thing: a razor-sharp, clean knife. A single, smooth slice keeps the stem’s water channels intact, allowing the flower to hydrate effectively.
If a sharp knife feels intimidating or uncomfortable to handle, don’t worry. A pair of high-quality floral shears is a great alternative. Just be sure they’re sharp—and kept exclusively for flower care.
Even the best blade won’t help if it’s dirty. Tools can harbor bacteria that transfer to your flowers and contaminate the water, leading to premature wilting. To prevent this:
- Wash your knife or shears in hot, soapy water
- Follow with a quick rinse in diluted bleach or alcohol
- Dry thoroughly before use
This may seem like a small step, but trust me—it’s a game changer. A clean, sharp cut not only improves water uptake but sets the foundation for your flowers to thrive for days, even weeks.
So the next time you bring home a bouquet, take a moment to grab the right tool. Your blooms will thank you with longer life and lasting beauty.
Have more flower care questions? Drop them in the comments or send us a message—we’re always happy to share tips from behind the stems!
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