How to make cut flowers last longer

Love the light pastel colour of these roses, the combination of light pink, orange and peach.

I was asked about tips on how to make cut flowers last longer. I did some research and here I summarise the 5 most practical ways to preserve cut flowers so that they could last longer.

I learned that the secret to keeping cut flowers looking good as long as possible is to minimise the growth of bacteria in the water and to provide nourishment to replace what the flower would have gotten had it not been cut. 

1. Bleach Add 1/4 teaspoon bleach per quart (1 liter) of vase water. Another popular recipe calls for 3 drops bleach and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 quart (1 liter) water. This will also keep the water from getting cloudy and inhibit the growth of bacteria.  

2. Hair Spray Just as it preserves your hairstyle, a spritz of hair spray can preserve your cut flowers and help them look fresh, longer. Stand a foot away from the bouquet and give them a quick spray, just on the undersides of the leaves and petals.  

3. Soda Pour about 1/4 cup into the water in a vase full of cut flowers. The sugar in the soda will make the blossoms last longer. Note: If you have a clear vase and want the water to remain clear, use a clear soda, like Sprite or 7-Up. 

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons sugar with the vase water before adding the flowers. Be sure to change the water (with more vinegar and sugar, of course) every few days to enhance your flowers’ longevity.  

5. Vodka  Add a few drops of vodka (or any clear spirit) to the vase water for antibacterial action along with 1 teaspoon sugar. Change the water every other day, refreshing the vodka and sugar each time. 

Summarised from Reader's Digest 

Do share with me any other way on preserving cut flowers so that they could last longer.